Thanksgiving saw largest holiday food distribution in food bank’s history

North Valley Food Bank is celebrating a milestone made possible by the unwavering compassion of Northwest Montana: a historic Thanksgiving distribution that provided nourishing holiday food for 810 families - more than 2,000 individuals, reaching neighbors from Eureka to Bigfork and from Trego to Hungry Horse. 

This Monday at the Free Grocery Store in Whitefish, the soft murmur of neighbors exchanging updates, and checking in on each other, set the tone for a day rooted in community resilience. 

One neighbor sat in the waiting room with a coffee and donut while waiting for her turn, smiled and said, “I don’t mind waiting. Everyone here is so kind, and I am just grateful to get all my Thanksgiving favorites after this hard year.” 

Customer after customer expressed gratitude that went far deeper than the groceries in their carts. One woman paused walking back to her car to say, “I don’t know what I would do without you all. Bless you for taking care of our community.” 

These moments of connection have become familiar at North Valley Food Bank in recent months, an indicator not just of need, but of the immense trust placed in local food banks as families navigate this food insecurity crisis. 

Many hoped the end of the longest federal government shutdown would bring relief, but the shutdown is over, and more than 12,000 Montanans will remain without SNAP. 

Earlier this year, HR 1 enacted $180 billion in SNAP cuts, permanently removing millions from essential food assistance, a loss that will remain unless Congress reverses course.  

New work requirements set to take effect in the coming months will push even more households off the program, including parents of teens as young as 14, in a state where seasonal work is common and childcare is scarce. HR 1 also shifts key administrative costs and responsibilities to states starting in 2028. 

Before the shutdown, North Valley Food Bank was serving 450–550 families each week, a number that has climbed steadily as more neighbors find themselves one unexpected bill or one missed paycheck away from food insecurity.  

The record-breaking Thanksgiving distribution was a success because this community continues to rise to the challenge with hundreds of individuals dropping off holiday staples and over 20 local businesses and civic groups organizing food drives. Two hundred and fifty community members have made financial donations, and volunteers have donated 885 hours this month.  

This collective generosity ensured that every family who walked through the food bank’s doors found warmth, choice and dignity alongside their Thanksgiving staples. 

“We are deeply humbled,” said Sophie Albert, executive director of North Valley Food Bank. “Each person who donates, volunteers, or simply extends kindness helps sustain our community through an increasingly difficult time. This year’s record Thanksgiving distribution showed what happens when we care for one another.” 

While the food bank celebrates the success of this historic distribution, the organization is preparing for a winter when the need is expected to remain high. Families in our communities continue to face reduced benefits and rising costs of living. Seniors on fixed incomes, working parents, and households who are newly food insecure will continue to rely on North Valley Food Bank in the weeks and months ahead. 

“Our community is resilient,” Albert noted, “But resilience alone cannot fill our neighbor’s pantry. We will keep showing up and we are asking our community to continue to partner with us.” 

The food bank is grateful to share that in honor of Giving Tuesday, Two Bear Capitol has stepped forward with a $10,000 matching gift. This means every donation made will be doubled, helping keep shelves full and dignity at the center of food access in our community this winter.  

North Valley Food Bank welcomes donations of food, funds, and volunteer time to sustain assistance through the winter season. Even small acts make a profound impact.  

Donate or learn more at northvalleyfoodbank.org or visit the food bank in person at 251 Flathead Ave, Whitefish, MT. 

For more information, contact Sophie Albert, [email protected], 703-209-0791