Demand on the rise among families seeking food assistance
EBS STAFF
The Bozeman nonprofit Human Resource Development Council will host its annual Spring for Food Drive on April 5 to help replenish food supplies for HRDC-operated food banks in the Gallatin Valley.
Collections of non-perishable food items and fresh produce will support the Gallatin Valley Food Bank and Headwaters Area Food Bank, as well as the KidsPack program that provides three meals and a healthy snack to local students to ensure proper nutrition. According to a press release from HRDC, the “critical” food drive is one of the nonprofit’s largest of the year. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at grocery stores across Bozeman and Belgrade.
“Over the past year, we have seen a significant increase in families turning to us for support,” Jill Holder, HRDC’s food and nutrition director, stated in the release. “More than a quarter of the customers we serve are children, and as food costs continue to rise, our work to provide fresh, nutritious options is more important than ever.”
HRDC is also seeking volunteers to assist with food collection efforts at the participating grocery stores. Community members who wish to contribute can donate food, volunteer, or make a monetary gift to help HRDC continue its work to alleviate hunger in the Gallatin Valley, as demand for services grows.
“We can’t do this alone. Our community’s generosity has always made a difference, and every food donation, volunteer hour, or financial gift helps us keep food on the tables of those who need it most,” Holder stated.
The food drive is sponsored by Cardinal Distributing and First Security Bank.
