Federal Budget Cuts Leave Missoula Food Bank Lacking Funds

The national authorities has canceled $500 cardinal successful emergency nutrient assistance. Missoula Food Bank and Community Center Executive Director Amy Allison described nan nonaccomplishment of that national backing as, “an incredibly challenging cut.”

Last twelvemonth nan Missoula Food Bank distributed astir 3 cardinal pounds of nutrient to section families. About 8 percent of that was provided by national emergency nutrient assistance funding. That money purchased calorie dense, nutritious nutrient for illustration meats, cheese, fruits and nuts.

Locally, those costs person now been slashed by astir 40 percent.

“It equates to astir $180,000 successful a nonaccomplishment of inventory that really needs to beryllium connected our shelves and going into nan hands of our neighbors, particularly now,” Allison said.

Last twelvemonth nan Missoula Food Bank served complete 24,000 people, which, according to Allison, is an unprecedented number. She says nan request is driven by rising nutrient and lodging costs and is only expected to grow.

Allison hopes Missoulians will measurement up and donate food, money and unpaid time. Meanwhile, she said nan Missoula Food Bank will proceed raising costs while simultaneously ensuring nary 1 walks distant quiet handed.