Town Pump matching $1 million in 20th food bank fundraiser

Press release

With demand for food bank services continuing to surge in Montana as the pandemic wears on, the Town Pump Charitable Foundation is matching $1,000,000 in contributions during its 20th annual fundraising campaign for food banks across Montana, including Havre Community Food Bank and Feed My Sheep Soup Kitchen.

“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.”

More than 100 food banks are participating in the statewide “Be A Friend in Deed, Helping Those in Need” campaign this year. The campaign has raised over $40 million for Montana food banks in 19 years, including about $8 million in matching grants from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation. Organizers of the campaign, which runs through Nov. 30, hope to raise $5 million for the food banks this year.

Locally, the foundation is matching up to $12,500 for Havre Community Food Bank, an increase of $2,500 over last year, and $1,500 for Feed My Sheep Soup Kitchen, an increase of $500 over last year, for a total of $14,000. All funds raised in Havre stay in the community.

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 stay open through payment of rent, utilities, and space for storage, refrigeration and freezing.

Donations are being collected at local Town Pumps, Lucky Lil’s, Magic Diamond and Montana Lil’s casinos, and the Quality Inn. Donations also can be made directly to Havre Food Bank at 2229 Fifth Ave., or the Feed My Sheep Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 407, both in Havre, 59501.