Community rallies as more neighbors seek nourishing food ahead of holidays

North Valley Food Bank (NVFB) is seeing one of the most compassionate community responses in its history as the number of households seeking food support continues to rise across northwest Montana.  

In the past three weeks, NVFB has seen an average of 700 food bank visits per week, including 130 households turning to the food bank for the first time. Each neighbor who walks through the doors brings a story of resilience—working parents navigating seasonal layoffs, seniors stretching fixed incomes through winter, and families striving to keep up with the rising cost of living in this beautiful place we all call home.  

“We are humbled by the trust our neighbors place in us,” said Sophie Albert, executive director of North Valley Food Bank. “And we are equally moved by the way the community continues to show up for one another.”  

This month, the response from local residents, businesses, civic groups, and faith communities has been extraordinary. More than 200 individuals have made monetary contributions to support NVFB’s programs. Over 20 community-led food drives are taking place across Whitefish and the northern Flathead. Neighbors of all ages are joining in—from a community member who asked for food donations in lieu of birthday gifts, to local Boy Scouts volunteering their time outside grocery stores to share flyers and encourage giving.  

With this collective support, NVFB is preparing to serve a record 800 households—an estimated 2,000 individuals—with fresh produce, meat, milk, bread and holiday foods including turkeys, gravy, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.  

“We see generosity at every turn,” Albert said. “When the need grows, northwest Montana steps up to meet it. This is what community care looks like.”  

As NVFB prepares for its busiest weeks of the year, the organization is still seeking donations of holiday foods to ensure every neighbor has access to a festive meal.  

Items most needed include turkeys, small hams, small roast meats (to support smaller households and older adults), and turkey breasts. Holiday food donations can be dropped off at North Valley Food Bank on Sunday, Nov. 23 from 9–2 and Monday Nov. 24 from 9 a.m. –4 p.m. Financial contributions also help fill gaps and ensure NVFB can keep pantry shelves for this historic holiday distribution and the weeks ahead. 

Donate online at www.northvalleyfoodbank.org or by dropping of a check in person or via mail at 251 Flathead Ave, Whitefish, MT. 

    Local boy scouts help collect food donations for NVFB. (Photo provided)
  

    A community member donates food in lieu of birthday gifts. (Photo provided by NVFB)