HRDC aims to gather 15,000 pounds on April 6
EBS STAFF
On Saturday, April 6, the Human Resource Development Council will host its annual Spring for Food Drive to support its Gallatin Valley Food Bank.
Anyone can donate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. while shopping at grocery stores across Bozeman and Belgrade. The Gallatin Valley Food Bank has set a goal of gathering 15,000 pounds of donations, particularly fresh produce and shelf-stable items. Volunteers are invited to sign up online to assist with collections.
The annual drive “will shine a light on the prevalence of food insecurity as well as the benefit of providing fresh and nutritious foods for customers at the food bank,” according to a March 28 HRDC press release.
“The need for food and nutrition support continues to grow in our region,” Jill Holder, HRDC’s food and nutrition director, stated in the release. “Households are struggling greatly to make ends meet given our area’s high cost of housing and other living expenses. Over the past six months alone, our local food bank has distributed over 1,600 boxes of groceries per month including fresh produce, dairy, meat and canned goods.”
Holder added that the best way to support the community is to ensure nobody goes to bed hungry.
“The measures we take through our KidsPack, school pantry programs, and Summer Lunch connect kids with nutritional food options throughout the year. Each week we deliver 700 grocery bags of food directly to school-aged children and provide additional food to students through our school pantry programs, but we can’t do this alone. Our community has a track record of generosity, and we are incredibly grateful for every ounce of support we receive,” Holder stated.
HRDC gave credit to First Security Bank, Cardinal Distributing and KBZK for supporting the drive.
