Montana Food Bank Network, Action Inc., local and state organizers met last Thursday 7/25 at Clarks Park in Butte to emphasize the importance of non-congregate summer meals. Kids lose critical access to meals during the summer when school is out. To fill this gap, many schools and community organizations across Montana operate summer meal programs to provide food to kids 18 and under at no cost. This non-congregate meal option enables a multitude of possibilities to meal providers in how best to serve their community.
“This was an opportunity to share our appreciation to those who helped make this federal flexibility happen and having our legislators see the direct impact this program has on Montana families,” said Samantha Dennison, MFBN’s Child Nutrition Manager.
A family who visited the meal site last week, was picking up food for the five grandchildren they care for while school is out, who see the free provided meals as a “godsend” in helping with the added stress of making ends meet during summer.
Samantha added, “We’re already seeing upwards of a 200% increase in children accessing these free meals, which is staggering. Action Inc. alone, more than tripled their service numbers with moving from the congregate model to the non-congregate model. We’re just hoping that we can serve more and more.”
The program runs statewide through August 9th. To find a location closest to you, text the word “food” to 304-304.
Author: Staff
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