North Valley Food Bank’s 24 Days of Giving

The North Valley Food Bank has launched the 24 Days of Giving as part of its biggest year-end fundraising campaign in the organization’s history. 

From Dec. 1 through Dec. 24, the food bank will share the 24 key ingredients for “Well-Nourished Communities” on their social media platforms and through digital marketing. The opportunities include giving to food security initiatives and operational activities, becoming a monthly donor, donating holiday food items and providing volunteer help.

North Valley Food Bank’s executive director, Sophie Albert, who is originally from Germany was inspired by a family tradition to challenge the local communities to the 24 Days of Giving.

“When I was a child, my family celebrated the holidays with a Reintukalender – a holiday calendar in which we added gifts each day rather than taking them out,” Albert said. “This was a way of sharing the responsibility of a joyful holiday among family members. 

“Throughout the month, a garland of gifts in all shapes and colors appeared on the staircase of my childhood home,” she continued. “While I miss my family in Europe, I am grateful to live in a generous and welcoming community that provides family away from family for so many!” 

The North Valley Food Bank is counting on community spirit and generosity to address the staggering 128% increase in food bank customers during the past two years, coupled with an increase in the price of purchased food from $0.67 per pound in 2021 to $1.07 per pound in 2023. This has increased North Valley Food Bank’s need for charitable donations by 26% this year. 

To meet the critical need for food assistance, NVFB has to raise $465,000 by Dec. 31.

To build food security and further strengthen its communities, NVFB teamed up with the Whitefish Credit Union (WCU) and KGEZ Radio. Each partner is helping the food bank to expand its philanthropic reach and alert the community to growing hunger, food insecurity, and poverty in Northwest Montana. 

The food bank will be accepting charitable donations through the end of the year. Everyone who donates to NVFB before the end of the year will receive Sophie’s famous cheesecake recipe from her family’s secret recipe book. To learn more about the North Valley Food Bank visit northvalleyfoodbank.org