State Employees Donate Nearly 10,500 Pounds of Food to Montana Food Bank Network

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte today announced state employees donated nearly 10,500 pounds of food to Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) in his fifth annual interagency food drive competition held in December.

This donation exceeded records set in previous years. Last year, state agencies collected over 7,500 pounds of food, with the Montana Department of Commerce winning the contest. This year, state agencies collected 10,422 pounds of food with the Montana Department of Health and Human Services winning the contest.

"Thanks to the generosity of our state employees, we donated more food than ever before to help feed our neighbors this holiday season," Gov. Gianforte said. "Congratulations to the Department of Health and Human Services for winning this year's agency food drive competition."

Launched by the governor on the second day of his annual 12 Days of Giving campaign, the interagency food drive ran from December 2 through December 15 to benefit MFBN.

Since 1983, MFBN has been Montana's only statewide food bank, partnering with more than 330 locations, including food pantries, shelters, senior centers, and schools. The organization distributes over 16 million pounds of food annually to Montanans across all 56 counties.

The governor announced the results of the interagency food drive competition in a message to state employees:

• 1st place: Montana Department of Health and Human Services (9,505 food items donated)
• 2nd place: Montana Department of Commerce (2,269 food items donated)
• 3rd place: Montana Department of Administration (1,885 food items donated)

According to MFBN, a $1 donation provides at least four meals for Montanans in need. The network's most needed items include canned tuna or meat, peanut butter, fruits canned in own juice, and canned vegetables (low/no sodium).

For more information on how to help end hunger in Montana through MFBN, please visit mfbn.org.

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