We've Got The County Covered

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 the Chinook 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.

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.

“We are a donation-based food pantry, and we serve all of Blaine County,” said Linae Jenson, representing the food bank. “Town Pump’s matching funds give our community a chance to double their donations to buy food, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies for those in need.”

“Thank you on behalf of all the volunteers at Chinook Food Pantry and from the Blaine County community,” she said.

“The good work of Montana’s local food banks is especially vital in the ongoing pandemic,” 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 Lucky Lil’s, or they can be made directly to Chinook Food Pantry at P.O. Box 262, Chinook, MT 59523.