North Valley Food Bank expands store hours
In the first quarter of 2025, North Valley Food Bank facilitated 6,240 pantry visits, serving more than 1,200 neighbors each week. That’s a 20% increase from the same time last year and amounts to three times more visits than in 2019.
To respond to the increased need, North Valley Food Bank is expanding open hours of its free grocery store, effective immediately.
Hours will be Tuesdays from 2–6 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
New opening hours will ensure that neighbors can access the food bank’s services in a safe environment without extensive wait times.
It also prepares the food bank for the anticipated additional increase in visits, as federal budget proposals could cut SNAP, Medicaid and school meal benefits.
In times of rising need, NVFB is reminded of how crucial its mission is in building food security.
The ability to expand open hours relies on the continued generosity of the community. The food bank's dedicated volunteers make the increase in services possible.
In 2024, food bank programs benefited from over 8,000 volunteer hours. That’s equivalent to four full-time staff members. The team has over 150 active volunteers at all times with a 75% annual retention rate.
North Valley Food Bank provides in-person volunteer orientation and ongoing training, including first aid, Narcan and mental health first aid. Everyone who joins the team is equipped and empowered through role-specific shadowing programs.
Donations can be made at northvalleyfoodbank.org or by calling Mandy Gerth, director of development, at 406-862-5863 ext. 1002, or by mailing a check to 251 Flathead Ave, Whitefish, MT 59937.
To join as a volunteer, contact Whitney England, volunteer coordinator, at whitney@northvalleyfoodbank.org. You can also sign up for a volunteer shift online.
For more information, please contact: Sophie Albert, executive director, sophie@northvalleyfoodbank.org or Mandy Gerth, mandy@northvalleyfoodbank.org