Celebrating a New Way to Feed Montana

Administrators of the Montana Food Bank Network say efforts to feed the hungry across the Treasure State are taking a major leap forward, as the agency finally commences construction on a new warehouse and headquarters.

"We're so excited to have you join us and help us celebrate what this new facility is going to do for MFBN."

Montana Food Bank Network CEO Gayle Carlson was beaming Thursday, as she and her dedicated staff, along with dozens of supporters and partners, gathered to break ground on the long-awaited warehouse and distribution center, completing a goal first launched in 2019.

New warehouse west of Missoula

MFBN leaders had discussed several options for the new warehouse, but felt remaining in Missoula was the best strategic decision for the long term.

"You know Montana's a big state, and when you're the only statewide food bank serving this area has massive challenges and a lot of it is the pressure of working out of a facility in one location. We have to cover that entire state from Missoula, and so our core facility has seen its better days." 

READ MORE: Over 100,000 Montanans Are Food "Insecure"

New opportunities to feed 1 in 12 Montanans coping with hunger

Following a blessing of the ground with tribal representatives, Carlson and the others grasped ceremonial shovels and launched Montana's hunger campaign into a new future, filled with new opportunities. Carlson and her team say the new facility will improve efficiency, providing more room for storing food when it becomes available from national sources, and giving local food pantries a place to store donations, especially from local sources.

Attention will now focus on the public campaign to raise additional funds for the new facility.    

Construction is slated to take 14 months.