The North Valley Food Bank will benefit from donations made during the Town Pump Charitable Foundation’s annual fundraising campaign for food banks across the state.

The annual campaign is in its 15th year and a record 79 food banks are participating in the statewide “Be A Friend in Deed, Helping Those in Need” campaign this year.

The campaign has raised over $23 million for food banks statewide in 14 years, including about $4 million in matching grants from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation. As part of this year’s campaign, the Town Pump Charitable Foundation will match up to $500,000 in contributions to participating Montana food banks made now through Nov. 30.

The Foundation will match up to $5,000 on behalf of the North Valley Food Bank, and all funds raised in Whitefish will remain in the community.

“No one can thrive on an empty stomach,” said SueAnn Grogan King, of the North Valley Food Bank. “The burden of not knowing where your next meal is coming from is a heavy burden. The North Valley Food Bank strives to see that those in need are able to pick up food each week sufficient for about three days. The donations from the Town Pump make a very positive impact on thousands of lives.”

The money is often used to purchase perishable food items such as milk, bread, fruit and vegetables. Also, the funds are becoming more crucial in helping many food bank organizations simply stay open through payment of rent, utilities, and space for storage, refrigeration and freezing.

The Town Pump Charitable Foundation has been assisting the state’s food banks with their vital service since 2002.

“Thank you to our food bank partners across the state and to everyone who has made the ‘Be A Friend in Deed, Help Those in Need’ campaign such a great success over the years,” said Maureen Kenneally, of the Town Pump Charitable Foundation. “The inspiring effort by so many is making a real difference in the lives or our hungry neighbors.”

Donations for the campaign are being collected at the Whitefish Town Pump and Lucky Lil’s Casino. Donations also can be sent directly to North Valley Food Bank, 251 Flathead Ave., in Whitefish, 59937.