Happy Wednesday, Beacon readers! Mariah Thomas here with your Daily Roundup.
For the past week, I dove in deep to understand how the recent government shutdown impacted (and may continue to impact) those using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, along with our local food banks and food access nonprofits in the Flathead Valley. Throughout the better part of this year, those organizations have grappled with changes coming their way, resulting in more needs to fill with fewer resources. And when the government shutdown resulted in a failure to dole out SNAP benefits for the first two weeks of November, local food banks and nonprofits stepped up to meet heightened demands. You can read my story on that at the bottom of this newsletter.
But during my reporting, it struck me to know just how many people in our valley are struggling to make ends meet and living each month so close to the edge. It showed during the gap in SNAP benefits, as several food banks in the area reported record-breaking figures for people who turned out to receive help.
The silver lining for food bank and nonprofit directors, though, was in the way the community banded together to make sure everyone had what they needed. That goes for businesses, community foundations, clubs and even individuals. The generosity they reported made me feel inspired to start digging into ways to give back to the community. It also made me curious about the resources available to folks who might need that help.
In case any of you feel that calling to give back too, or in case you need a hand, here are a few ideas.
Of course, food banks and food access nonprofits are great places to give. While all of them told me they appreciated food donations, they said monetary donations can stretch much farther. Many food banks buy food in bulk, and monetary donations can help them purchase more at a lower cost than individual items at the grocery store.
The Montana Food Bank Network is the umbrella organization for food banks and pantries across the state. Several of the organizations I spoke with locally — Land to Hand, North Valley Food Bank, Flathead Food Bank, Bigfork Food Bank and FAST Blackfeet — are also fundraising individually. At this time of year, some are in the process of end-of-year fundraising campaigns, many with heightened fundraising goals to reach. If you can’t afford to give financially, many also said they could use folks willing to volunteer their time, too.
Outside of food needs, Coats for Kids is hosting its annual Warm Up the Flathead event on Saturday, Nov. 22. The event aims to ensure children have all the winter gear they need to weather the season (no pun intended). It will take place at the Boys & Girls Club at 540 4th Ave. West in Columbia Falls from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and parents must bring IDs for themselves and each child. Children must be present to receive the winter necessities, which they can grab at no cost. If you’re interested in donating to help Coats for Kids supply children in the area with the gear they need, you can do so here. The Warm Up the Flathead event will also have Toys for Tots available to help apply for Christmas help.
And, another option if you need help providing Christmas for your kiddos: the Salvation Army Kalispell Corps is still taking applications for its Angel Tree program through Nov. 30, according to its Facebook page. As a card-carrying member of Gen Z, I must admit — videos of people playing Santa and spoiling Angel Tree kiddos have taken over my feed. It’s a really special way to provide a magical holiday for a family in need of some extra cheer.
Obviously, this isn’t a comprehensive list of the organizations offering help to get through the holidays, or who could use your donation if you have the means to give. But it’s a start.
Flathead Food Bank Directors Anticipate Long-Term Needs Will Remain After Shutdown Exposes Food Insecurity
An outpouring of community support helped local food banks meet demand during the government shutdown. But the recent lapse in SNAP benefits is just the latest in a string of adverse events that have increased the need for their services.
In Aftermath of Evergreen Mobile Home Evictions, Agencies Partner to Relocate 26 Households
NeighborWorks Montana and the Whitefish Community Foundation established an emergency relocation fund for Spring Creek Mobile Home Park tenants who last year faced eviction, but a case study reveals significant impacts like stress, social isolation and family fractures
Groups Push Back on Montana’s ‘Data Center Boom’ in Petition Before Utility Commission
What to know about an effort to protect NorthWestern Energy’s customers from higher bills amid surging electricity demand spurred by proposed data centers
Meet Shadow! He’s a 1-year-old domestic shorthair mix in need of a good home.
To find out more about Shadow and other pet adoption opportunities at the Humane Society of Northwest Montana go to: www.humanesocietypets.com. To donate to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, visit the organization’s donation page here.
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