DILLON, Mont. — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has generously donated 40 pallets totaling approximately 66,000 pounds of food to five local food pantries serving communities across Southwest Montana. This donation comes as part of the Church’s ongoing commitment to support those in need and to address food insecurity.
The donation included non-perishable items such as canned vegetables, pasta, rice, flour, peanut butter, soup, milk and other essential staples. The food was distributed to the following food pantries:
1. Butte Rescue Mission
2. Beaverhead Community Food Pantry
3. Headwaters Area Food Bank
4. Deer Lodge Food Pantry
5. Ruby Valley Food Pantry
"These resources are truly a lifeline for our community and the Butte Rescue Mission. This year, the Butte Rescue Mission has served more meals than last year, and the rising cost of food has made it increasingly difficult to keep up. This shipment arrived at a crucial time, especially as our community has been facing shortages of several key products. We’ve partnered with the Butte Emergency Food Bank to ensure that not only the unhoused population has food to eat but everyone in our community has access to adequate food," said Brayton Erickson, Executive Director of the Butte Rescue Mission. "The health of a person and the health of a community starts with having all of the basic needs met. This Church has truly stepped up to show what unconditional love looks like and that is providing for those who are the most vulnerable and most in need."
The Beaverhead Community Food Pantry’s clientele has grown more than 21% in the past year to more than 130 households per week. Roughly 55% of those clients are over 55 years old with very limited incomes.
“The cost savings will allow us to focus some of our funds on fresh produce, dairy and protein products,” said Carolyn Dillon of the Beaverhead Community Food Pantry. “We are also able to service other non-profits with this donation, such as the Senior Center and the BackPack Program, which provides school-age children with backpacks of food before weekends or holidays to ensure they will have enough to eat.”
“The Ruby Valley Food Pantry is incredibly grateful for such a generous donation,” said Kelsie Tate, President of the Ruby Valley Food Pantry, which serves 25-30 families and more than 225 individuals monthly. “This donation will allow us to free up funds for different products and helps to ensure we can keep our doors open.”
The Church’s humanitarian efforts are part of a global initiative to care for those in need, regardless of faith or background. These contributions are made possible through the donations of Church members and others who contribute to the Church’s humanitarian funds.
For more information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its humanitarian efforts, visit www.churchofjesuschrist.org.
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