The Flathead Food Bank donated a total of 50,000 pounds of food to 450 households on Friday during its annual Christmas distribution event. The busy donation day capped an equally busy season for the food bank.

Flathead Food Bank Executive Director Jamie Quinn said the food bank served more than 3,300 individuals over the course of its Thanksgiving and Christmas distribution sessions. Items supplied during the Christmas distribution included ham, turkey, olives, pumpkin, stuffing, gravy and much more.

Quinn said the community has been extra giving this year, due in-part because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She said between the government emergency assistance programs, various food bank programs and generous donations from the community, the food bank has yet to run short on food items to offer.

“We’ve been fortunate because of the community and because of our local and federal programs. We have never once had to even question whether we will run out of food this year,” Quinn said. “The community has stepped up and really supported us.”

Quinn said there has been an increase in the number of people in-need this year as well, something she also believes is partially due to the pandemic, which has placed additional financial strain on many households. She said the food bank has seen a bump in first-time recipients who may not necessarily become repeat customers, but have struggled to make ends meet this year.

“A lot of these folks have experienced unemployment and they might not have a lot left over after paying rent or making that car payment, so they need some help,” Quinn said. “Some people show up and they are apologetic and of course our response is ‘don’t be, this is what we are here for.’ Our role in the community is to help people, especially during this pandemic. Our job is to step up, and the community has stepped up with us.”

Quinn emphasized the food bank is always open to both those who are willing to donate and those who are in need of food. To find out more about the food bank and how you can help, go to flatheadfoodbank.org

Reporter Kianna Gardner can be reached at 758-4407 or kgardner@dailyinterlake.com