Town Pump fundraiser helping food banks serve in crisis

With demand for food bank services surging in Montana during the pandemic, the Town Pump Charitable Foundation is matching $750,000 in contributions during its 19th annual fundraising campaign for food banks across Montana, including Whitehall Area Food Pantry.

A record-setting 93 food banks are participating in the statewide "Be A Friend in Deed, Helping Those in Need" campaign this year. The campaign has raised over $36 million for Montana food banks in 18 years, including about $7 million in matching grants from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation. Organizers of the campaign, which runs through Nov. 30, hope to raise $4 million for the food banks this year.

Locally, the Foundation is matching up to $5,000 for Whitehall Area Food Pantry.

The money is frequently used to purchase perishable food items such as milk, bread, fruit and vegetables. Also, the funds are becoming more crucial in helping many food bank organizations simply stay open through payment of rent, utilities, and space for storage, refrigeration and freezing.

"For several years, Whitehall Food Pantry has benefited from the generosity and hard work of Town Pump and its employees through the matching campaign," said Cara Sacry, representing the food bank.

"Many families within Jefferson County appreciate the groceries we provide because of organizations like Town Pump. Monetary donations allow us to keep our shelves stocked with healthy, nutritional canned foods and frozen meats."

"Unfortunately, more and more Montana families don't have enough to eat," said Bill McGladdery, of the Town Pump Charitable Foundation. "Please join Town Pump and our dedicated food bank partners in making a difference in the lives of our hungry neighbors by donating today at our businesses or directly to the food banks."

Donations can be made at local Town Pumps and Local Lil's, or they can be made by mail to Whitehall Area Food Pantry, P.O. Box 266, Whitehall, MT 59759.