In 2008, the Montana Food Bank Network provided almost 4.5 million pounds of food to 189 Partnering Agencies throughout the state of Montana. Distribution of this food supported Partner Agency efforts to serve more than 1.6 million meals and provide over 250,000 food boxes to those in need. MFBN Partner Agencies are in all corners of the state, and are recognized as food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, day cares, rehabilitation facilities, and group homes.

The MFBN secures food from a variety of sources, often travelling or hiring carriers to haul food in from outside Montana. Donated food comes from local Montana farmers, national corporations, (such as Kraft as arranged by MFBN’s affiliation with Feeding America), grocery retail stores such as Albertsons, Wal-Mart and Sam’s club, Montana food companies and distributors, and occasionally sister food banks in the Pacific Northwest who need to share their excess. Purchased food is often grant funded, though individual donors can direct their cash donations towards food purchasing by using the MFBN Virtual Food Drive. 

All food is warehoused in our 29,000 sq ft headquarters in Missoula, and then ordered by Partner Agencies through a variety of programs. Partner Agencies can choose from a large selection of grocery items such as cereal, fresh fruits & vegetables, frozen meats, canned soups, pastas, and other shelf stable snacks. Once orders are processed, they are delivered to Partner Agencies by MFBN’s Transportation Team.

If you are an organization that serves low income or low resource clients and need assistance providing food to those clients, click here to contact a member of our staff agencyinfo@mfbn.org. If you or someone you know might be able to donate food, in truckloads or cases, processed or raw, please help us by clicking here to contact a member of our staff jdodge@mfbn.org