The Mission Valley Food Pantry served well over 3,000 people last year and brought in upwards of 60,000 pounds of food, but the more people they were able to help, the less space they had for food on their pantry shelves.
The Saint Ignatius-based organization debuted a brand new storage space on Tuesday with organizers calling the addition a “game changer.”
The Mission Valley Food Pantry serves people in Dixon and Arlee as well as in St. Ignatius.
Volunteers say a steady stream of clients showed the need for more space was crucial so they can meet the needs of low-income families in the area.
Many organizations and individuals supported the effort in the months leading up to the expansion.
Gary Meile donated a pickup truck to be raffled off, the high school shop class agreed to build storage shelves, and individuals volunteers to move the food bank’s freezers and reorganize the building.
Hours of work are dedicated to the pantry behind the scenes, but volunteers say it’s all worthwhile when you see the impact you’re having on those less fortunate.
The Mission Valley Food Pantry operates Tuesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
