Town Pump offers matching funds for local food banks

As Montana’s food banks deal with record demand in the wake of soaring food costs and other everyday expenses, the Town Pump Charitable Foundation is matching $1 million to help raise $4 million during its annual fundraising campaign for food banks, including the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Polson and the Bread Basket Food Pantry in Ronan.

Over 100 food banks statewide are participating this year in the “Be A Friend in Deed” campaign, which began in 2001. 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 $15,000 on behalf of the food pantry in Polson and $9,000 on behalf of the food pantry in Ronan. All money raised in the area remains in the communities.

“Rising costs of groceries and other household items is pushing more families than ever before to our local food banks,” said Bill McGladdery, of the Town Pump Charitable Foundation. “Food insecurity can happen to anyone.”

Donations can be made at area Town Pumps, or directly to Polson Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry at 904 1st St. E., Polson, MT 59860; or to the Bread Basket Food Pantry at 10 6th Ave., Ronan, MT 59864.