In a Nutshell: Montana food pantries collaborate on creative solutions to rising food insecurity

Last week, Montanans from across the state came together for the third annual Local Food for Local Families Summit, hosted by Hopa Mountain, at Arrowpeak Lodge in Highwood, MT. The meeting brings together Montana food hubs, producers and food pantries. 

One of the past summit successes was the formation of the Montana Food Pantry Collaborative to increase collaborative work across the state, increase our food purchasing power and create a unified approach to addressing food insecurity and its root causes in our communities. The collaborative meets monthly and has been able to establish an online pantry resource hub for capacity building. North Valley Food Bank serves on the Steering Committee and our choice model operating procedures as well as our efficient food hub logistics have become an example for food pantries across the state. 

This summer, the Montana Food Pantry Collaborative collaborated with Hopa Mountain, the Montana Food Bank Network and Redwing Research to develop and disseminate a Montana Food Pantry Survey. Ninety-four food pantries participated, and the results show that 1. the demand for food assistance continues to rise across the state, and 2. the most common challenges in operations and funding are similar for all participants.  

Eighty-four percent of pantries reported a significant rise in the number of individuals served since 2020. Most often new customers were families or seniors. Other major challenges included decreased funding opportunities and increased operational costs. Ninety-three percent of pantries rely on private donations as their main funding source and nearly half of the surveyed pantries experienced significant fluctuations in funding availability. Issues such as increased operational costs and a shortage of volunteers were also frequently mentioned. 

Most common operational struggles included insufficient storage, no transportation, and supply chain disruptions. One survey participant shared an urgent need for infrastructure improvements: “We only have two small refrigerators and lack the space to handle large volumes of food.” These limitations impact the efficiency of food distribution and the overall quality of service.  

Collaborations between pantries and with local businesses are the key solution to solving these issues. The Montana Food Pantry Collaborative can work on combining resources and shared capacity support statewide. Another approach is to establish regional community of practice meetings like we have done in NW Montana since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Every quarter, we meet with all our food bank and food access partners from Flathead, Lincoln and Glacier County. We share donations, purchase local food in bulk together and work on shared advocacy strategies. 

The survey also highlighted the potential for enhanced collaboration with local farmers, businesses, and tribal entities to build a more resilient food system. Further, food pantries need to diversify their funding streams, including pursuing public sector support at various levels. Strengthening partnerships with local businesses and donors could provide essential financial backing. Increased funding for paid staff at smaller pantries could help alleviate the burden on overextended volunteers and improve operational efficiency. Investments in infrastructure—such as refrigeration units and storage facilities— is critical to provide sustainable services. 

As Montana continues to grow, so must its food security systems. The findings from the 2024 Montana Food Pantry Survey illustrate both the critical needs and the potential for impactful change. Addressing food insecurity requires a comprehensive approach that includes strategic investments, enhanced collaboration, and robust support systems. By recognizing the intersection of food security with broader social issues—such as economic stability, affordable housing, and employment opportunities—policymakers and community members can develop more inclusive solutions. Ensuring that Montana’s food pantries are well-equipped to meet the rising demands of their communities will help build a more equitable and resilient food system, ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry. 

In closing, I think of a fellow food pantry manager from a rural community in East Montana. She closed our last Local Food Summit meeting with the following words:  "I often think I dream too much, but here I feel like our dreams are possible!"  

To learn more about the Montana Food Pantry Collaborative or the 2024 Montana Food Pantry Survey, visit https://www.mtfpc.org or reach out to sophie@northvalleyfoodbank.org.