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5.05.08 | The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation donates 50,000 pounds of potatoes to kick off company-wide food drive.
The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation (the Foundation) is purchasing 50,000 pounds of potatoes to be distributed to food banks throughout Montana to commence the Washington Companies Employee Food Drive, "Spring Into Action," taking place May 12 through May 26 in the Companies' Missoula-based offices.
Potatoes were purchased from Ernie Foust, a Charlo farmer and relative of Montana Rail Link employee, Lori Foust. The Montana Food Bank Network is helping in the distribution of the potatoes to food banks and rescue missions throughout Montana – both Network-affiliated and independent food banks.
"This donation will get our families through two months. We're very excited. Potatoes are a great staple, and we don't get them very often," said Lori Botkin, Executive Director, Flathead Food Bank.
In spring and summer, food banks see a drop in donations following peak giving during the holidays. The need for food and personal care items, however, does not decrease. With children involved in school lunch programs home for the summer, families bear a heavier burden. In addition, rising costs of food, basic needs and fuel, place increased pressure on food banks.
Last year, the Foundation purchased and distributed 800 pounds of potatoes. "After discussing the growing need with Food Bank and Rescue Mission directors from around the state, we realized the importance of expanding the scope of our food donation as well as increasing the size of it. We also wanted to time our food drive when food inventories were low," said Mike Halligan, Executive Director, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.
This year, approximately twenty-nine 1,700-pound bags of potatoes will make their way to 16 food banks and rescue missions including: Clark Fork City Church, the Poverello Center, and the Missoula Food Bank in Missoula; Helena Food Share; Butte Emergency Food Bank and Butte Rescue Mission; Great Falls Community Food Bank; Assembly of God Food Pantry in Plains; Flathead Food Bank and Veteran's Food Pantry in Kalispell; Tobacco Valley Food Pantry in Eureka; Custer County Food Pantry in Miles City; Christian Church Food Pantry in Libby; Billings Food Bank; and the Gallatin Valley Food Bank in Bozeman. The Montana Food Bank Network out of Miles City, which serves surrounding communities such as Lame Deer, Hardin, Birney and Ekalaka, will also receive donated potatoes.
"The Helena Food Share broke records in April with the number of people needing assistance," said Helena Food Share Executive Director, Ann Waickman.
Joanne Cortese, Co-Executive Director, Butte Emergency Food Bank, echoed Waickman on record-breaking demand. "During the first four months of 2008, the number of people served by the Butte Food Bank is greater than it has been since 2001," Cortese said. "It's because of generous donations, such as this one, that food banks are able to stay open," she added.
"This is the reality of what we see around here every day, and I know our agencies truly appreciate the help," said Michael Gardner, Director of Operations at Montana Food Bank Network.
Food Bank and Rescue Mission Contacts:
Lori Botkin, Executive Director
Flathead Valley Food Bank
105 6th Ave. W
Kalispell, MT 59901
406-752-3663
Ann Waickman, Executive Director
Helena Food Share
1616 Lewis St.
Helena, MT 59624
406-443-3663
foodshre@mt.net
Joanne Cortese, Co-Executive Director
Butte Emergency Food Bank
1019 E 2nd St.
Butte, MT 59701
406-782-3814
buttefoodbank@qwest.net
Michael Gardner, Director of Operations
Montana Food Bank Network
5625 Expressway
Missoula, MT 59808
406-721-3825
info@mfbn.org
