HELENA — For the second week, Helena Food Share is working with the Montana Food Bank Network and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to distribute boxes of fresh produce from regional farmers and ranchers.
People can pick up their boxes at the 1616 Lewis Street Pantry on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
There are no eligibility requirements and no application is needed.
People will receive two boxes this week. The first box is a fresh produce box, similar to last week including regionally grown potatoes, onions, apples, oranges, sweet potatoes, stone fruits, romaine heart, strawberries, broccoli and carrots, and peppers! The second box is a combination box, including fresh produce items plus a pre-cooked buffet ham, fully cooked chicken thighs, milk, butter and cheese.
Due to COVID-19, many farmers and ranchers had to throw away product due to the lack of demand and breakdown in supply chains.
Helena Food Share Executive Director Bruce Day says the program is a win-win for people in need and AG producers.
“It’s making sure that that food is no longer going into the dump, making sure that it is not being wasted, and ast the same time it’s helping people throughout the county who could use help with food assistance,” said Day. “It’s great to be able to have this resource for people in our community and make sure it’s used well.”
The food box distribution is to continue weekly over the next six months.
Since March, Helena Food Share has seen an increase in families needing food assistance.
MTN and the Scripps Howard Foundation are donating $12,000 to Helena Food Share, and challenge the community to match our donation.
Make your donation to Helena Food Share here with a comment that says "MTN Match."
Together we can help make sure all of our neighbors have a meal on their table throughout this crisis.
On Monday, the East Helena pantry will be reopening with curbside service.
Helena Food Share is providing grab and go food support at the panties in Helena and East Helena.
If you are in need of food support, come see us. We have food for all who need it, and all you have to do is bring a form of ID and give the number of people in your household.
Helena Food Share is open regular hours at both locations.
50 Prickly Pear, East Helena Pantry:
- Monday 2:00 p.m. -3:30 p.m.
- Thursday 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
1616 Lewis Street, Helena Pantry:
- Monday 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
- Thursday 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Friday 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
