HELENA – Leaders with Helena Food Share say they saw an increase in the number of people they serve in 2018.
Every month, Food Share provides emergency food assistance for about 1,600 households around the Helena area. Executive director Bruce Day said that number has grown about 3 percent over the last 12 months.
“We’ve been busy all year long,” he said.
Day said, as they try to meet the need, Food Share’s budget has increased. He said they’ve seen strong support from volunteers and donors. They raised record amounts of food through donation events like the food drive at Symphony Under the Stars and the annual Turkey Challenge.
“There’s still a big need in our community, but the community is responding,” said Day.
Day thanked everyone who has provided financial support or volunteered over the past year.
“People are here getting food not because they want to, but because they have to,” he said. “We’re here and able to respond to that need, and it’s gratifying to be able to do it and have the community step forward and join us in helping.”
Once Helena and East Helena schools are back in session, Food Share will continue its Kid Pack program. Each week, it provides weekend meals for about 1,100 local students identified as being at risk for hunger.
