Food bank batch cooking program stretches Montana’s growing season

North Valley Food Bank announced that June’s Kitchen, the organization’s community kitchen, began batch processing local, in-season produce last fall to ensure ready-to-(h)eat meals and meal components are available year-round in the food bank’s Free Grocery Store.  

Now, during the coldest and shortest days of winter, the abundance of Montana’s
harvest season continues to nourish neighbors across northwest Montana. 

Each year, North Valley Food Bank rescues more than 200,000 pounds of food from grocery stores, farms and community partners. While much of this food is distributed directly to neighbors, June’s Kitchen transforms rescued and locally grown ingredients into ready-to-(h)eat meals that support food access with dignity and care.  

In 2024, more than 10,000 meals were prepared in June’s Kitchen. In 2025, that number grew to 13,000 meals. Now, in 2026, with the addition of batch processed ingredients, the food bank is excited to produce ready-to-(h)eat meals with local components year-round. 

“Montana’s growing season is short, but it’s incredibly abundant,” said Rachael Broom, culinary arts manager at North Valley Food Bank. “By batch cooking and preserving fresh produce while it’s in season, we’re able to stretch the harvest and make nutritious, comforting food available to neighbors throughout the year.” 

The batch cooking program focuses on high-volume crops such as tomatoes, squash, root vegetables and apples, transforming them into sauces, soups and versatile meal bases. These items are distributed through North Valley Food Bank’s Free Grocery Store, which serves more than 1,200 neighbors each week, as well as through mobile pantries and community programs. 

Named after the food bank’s founder June Munski-Feenan, June’s Kitchen reflects her vision of a community where good food goes to people and not to waste. Powered by staff and volunteers, the kitchen is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to nourishing food, no matter their circumstances. 

For more information, visit www.northvalleyfoodbank.com or contact Rachael Broom,
406.862.5863 or [email protected]