Town Pump holds annual food bank fundraiser

The Town Pump Charitable Foundation is matching $1 million in contributions during its 20th annual fundraising campaign for food banks across Montana, including at North Valley Food Bank.

Over 100 food banks are participating in the statewide “Be A Friend in Deed, Helping Those in Need” campaign this year. The campaign has raised over $40 million for Montana food banks in 19 years, including about $8 million in matching grants from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation. Organizers of the campaign, which runs through Nov. 30, hope to raise $5 million for the food banks this year.

Locally, the foundation is matching up to $7,000 on behalf of the North Valley Food Bank, an increase of $1,000 over last year. All funds raised in Whitefish stay in the community.

The money is frequently used to purchase perishable food items such as milk, bread, fruit and vegetables. Also, the funds are becoming more crucial in helping many food bank organizations simply stay open through payment of rent, utilities, and space for storage, refrigeration and freezing.

“The good work of Montana’s local food banks is especially vital in the ongoing pandemic,” said Bill McGladdery, of the Town Pump Charitable Foundation. “Please join Town Pump and our dedicated food bank partners in making a difference in the lives of our hungry neighbors by donating today at our businesses or directly to the food banks.”

Donations are being collected at local Town Pumps and Lucky Lil’s casinos, and can also be sent directly to the food bank at 251 Flathead Avenue, Whitefish, MT 59937.