In a nutshell: Serving generosity and hope one meal at a time
Increasing numbers of neighbors are stretched thin by the soaring cost of rent and inflation at the grocery store.
As the season of giving approaches, it’s easy to wonder, “Am I doing enough?”
This question has tumbled around in my mind as I have worked with at-risk youth in the Flathead in various roles. Learning the stories of children and families impacted by the rising rate of poverty in the Flathead has, many times, left me falling into overwhelm. What I have seen, over and over, is that we are a generous and action-oriented community. In my new role as Director of Development at North Valley Food Bank (NVFB) many of our customers are familiar faces of working families experiencing homelessness. I know parts of their story. And I am thankful that they can come to NVFB and get the food they need for their family for the week. For many of our neighbors, the holidays are a time of uncertainty. The gift of a meal is a gift of hope and security in uncertain times.
This November, a generous gift of 100 crockpots was distributed at NVFB. One customer didn’t need a crockpot but shared a story of a time when she did:
"Years ago, my son and I were living in an old school bus. We were out of food, and I drove into town to go to the food bank. They happened to be doing a giveaway of crockpots, and I was so thankful to receive one. With our only utility being electricity, and without a kitchen, it ended up being the only way I had to make meals for my family. I am happy to say I don’t need one today, but I will never forget the time when I did." - EW, NVFB customer
NVFB volunteer and board member Tony Veseth donated the crockpots to honor NVFB founder June Munski-Feenen, who he describes as a vivacious, petite redhead.
June originally started the food bank in her garage and continued her vision of a community where no neighbor goes hungry by working tirelessly for 35 years. Tony shared with me, that “June was a dear friend who inspired me to get involved with addressing hunger in our community. One project she was passionate about was providing crock pots so families could cook warm meals. Her idea lit a fire in me to carry on her legacy. Recently, my team at Farm Bureau Insurance, in collaboration with Mariah Joos at Nelson’s Ace Hardware, secured 100 crock pots and the food bank team distributed them along with ingredients for healthy meals. As we approach the holidays, I hope this inspires others to find creative ways to support our community. Whether it’s time, resources, or donations, small efforts can have a big impact. Everyone deserves a warm meal.”
As customers entered the food bank, the smell of homemade soup, served in the waiting room, filled the air. Culinary Arts Manager Racheal Broom crafted a recipe that included shelf-stable pantry staples, along with the last of the season’s farm-fresh tomatoes and greens. Customers received a recipe and all ingredients to make more soup at home.
June’s vision, which originated as an all-volunteer operation running out of her home garage, has grown into a robust food bank that distributes to over 1,000 people a week through the innovative grocery store model in Whitefish and mobile pantries in Trego, Essex and Olney.
A humble gift of a crockpot and a recipe for lentil soup serves as a reminder that you never truly know the impact a gift—whether big or small—has on someone else's life.
This season your gifts, whether a ham, a box of pasta, or a monetary donation make a lasting difference in ending hunger in our community. NVFB is currently running our year-end campaign with the goal to raise $500,000 by the end of the year and your support ensures that everyone has warm, nutritious meals this winter!