In 2024, the Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) successfully delivered 57,524 food packs to young students across the state. These backpacks contain child-friendly, non-perishable items designed to provide breakfast and lunch for weekends and holidays. The initiative has been made possible by the continuous support of the Town Pump Charitable Foundation since 2016. MFBN operates at 122 locations statewide, ensuring that children have access to nutritious meals even when school is not in session. This program underscores a collaborative effort between MFBN and various stakeholders to combat childhood hunger in Montana.

The BackPack Program has been an essential part of Montana’s efforts to address food insecurity among school-aged children since its inception in 2008. Each pack includes easy-to-prepare meals that can be enjoyed without requiring refrigeration or complex preparation. The contents typically consist of shelf-stable milk, along with servings of vegetables and fruits, ensuring a balanced diet for children during their time away from school. The program aims to discreetly distribute these packs before weekends or holidays to maintain the dignity and privacy of the recipients.

A significant contributor to the success of this initiative has been the unwavering support from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation. According to Samantha Dennison, MFBN’s Child Nutrition Manager, the foundation’s approach emphasizes collaboration rather than imposing strict requirements. This flexibility allows schools to implement the program effectively without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. The funds provided by Town Pump enable MFBN to focus on procuring and distributing the necessary supplies to all 122 sites across Montana.

Bill McGladdery, Director of the Town Pump Charitable Foundation, highlighted the importance of identifying communities in need and providing them with financial assistance. With approximately half of Montana’s schoolchildren eligible for free or reduced-cost meals during the week, ensuring they have adequate nutrition on weekends remains a critical concern. The partnership between MFBN and Town Pump has enabled both organizations to address this issue head-on, making a tangible difference in the lives of many young Montanans.

The ongoing collaboration between MFBN and the Town Pump Charitable Foundation exemplifies how community-driven initiatives can effectively tackle food insecurity. By focusing on practical solutions like the BackPack Program, these organizations ensure that children in Montana have access to nutritious meals, even when they are not at school. This commitment to addressing hunger highlights the power of partnerships in creating positive change for vulnerable populations.