Food Bank Distribution Scheduled To Go On As Normal

Due to an overwhelming support from volunteers and the community, the Valley County Food Bank will be open Tuesday, April 21, from 12 to 4 p.m., though volunteer Pat Hallett told the Courier the organization will stay open later if not all clients have been served. Distribution will be at the Valley County Food Bank, 1020 1st Ave. No., Glasgow. If you have not received food from the Food Bank in the past, but are in need, you are welcome and encouraged to come as volunteers will make sure you are taken care of.

Volunteers are also asking clients to remain in their vehicles and not stand in line in order to comply with social distancing guidelines. Only one client will be allowed at the front door at a time and volunteers will bring food to the client after verifying the necessary information. Clients may wish to allow for extra time for pick-up as parking and social distancing will lengthen the time in receiving food.

Hallett told the Courier the food bank will remain open and operational in the foreseeable future, thanks to volunteers and the community. “We are so, so thankful and grateful for the community support,” she said, “from food to money. All of it has been so awesome.” The need for the local food bank has increased since last month though exact figures were unavailable. So far, Hallett said, the increase has not been drastic though she expects the numbers to grow again next month as economic uncertainty continues.

The Valley County Food Bank isn’t the only one who has seen an increase in need, as food banks across the state and country have seen a drastic need over the past few months due to ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to community member donations and providing their time, businesses are stepping up to donate ensuring food-insecure households are able to eat. Town Pump announced on April 10 that they were donating $1 million to Montana food banks, including the Valley County Food Bank.

“This is Montanans helping Montanans,” said Foundation Director Bill McGladdery in a press release. “Town Pump recognizes the urgency to help out our neighbors now as food insecurity grows in this unprecedented emergency.” Hallett confirmed that the Valley County Food Bank has received a $5,000 check from Town Pump which will go towards feeding families in need in Valley County.

BlueCross BlueShield of Montana also announced they were donating $1 million to COVID-19 relief. The Montana Food Bank Network, of which the Valley County Food Bank is a member, is set to receive $75,000 in funding. Hallett does not expect the local food bank to receive a direct check, but said the donation will increase purchasing power for the umbrella organization.

“I’m confident we’ll be able to keep going for some time,” Hallett said of the Valley County Food Bank. She encourages persons with questions or those who wish to sign up for service to call her at 406-263-3353.