Town Pump kicks off food drive

The Town Pump Charitable Foundation hopes to raise more than $2 million in its 11th annual fundraising campaign for food banks across Montana, including the Columbia Falls Food Bank.

Food bank representatives locally and statewide report an ever growing demand to feed the hungry in Montana. A record 67 food banks across Montana are participating in the “Be A Friend in Deed, Helping Those In Need” campaign this year.

The campaign has raised more than $10.5 million for food banks statewide in 10 years, including $1.8 million in matching grants from the foundation. This year, the foundation will match up to $450,000 in contributions to Montana food banks made now through Nov. 30. That amount is $50,000 more than last year.

The foundation will match up to $8,000 on behalf of the Columbia Falls Food Bank, $500 more than last year. All funds raised in Columbia Falls will remain in the community.

The money is used to purchase perishable food items such as milk, bread, fruit and vegetables.