The Community Food Bank of Mineral County has renamed its annual alumni fundraising competition as the Shana Williams All Class Alumni Challenge, honoring the volunteer whose vision and leadership helped make the event a success. 

Williams created the alumni class challenge in 2024 and was the driving force behind the fundraiser. Following her passing in June, fellow volunteers chose to rename the event in her memory. For the past two years, Williams led the Superior High School Class of 1979 to first place in the competition. Last year's winning class raised more than $3,000 to support the food bank's mission.

The 2026 Shana Williams All Class Alumni Challenge runs from May 1 through Sept. 1. Alumni from every graduating class and every Mineral County school are encouraged to participate by making donations in the name of their class. The class raising the most money will earn permanent recognition with a commemorative plaque displayed in the food bank's new building. The fundraiser supports the food bank's ongoing operations and mission of ‘Ending Hungry Tomorrows, Today.’

The need for the food bank remains significant. According to recent census data, 17.9% of Mineral County residents live below the poverty line, a rate higher than both the Montana and national averages. The CFBMC currently serves 1,375 residents of the country, including 276 children, 497 adults, and 602 seniors, representing 656 households. 

Although the food bank recently received a $700,000 grant toward construction of a new facility, those funds are restricted to building expenses and cannot be used for day-to-day operations. The original grant request was $750,000, and the total project cost has now exceeded $1 million. To help complete the project, the food bank has contributed approximately $119,000 from its operating budget.

Unlike many organizations, the food bank receives no state funding. It operates entirely through private donations, grants and community support, with all staff serving as unpaid volunteers. Annual operating expenses average approximately $65,000.

Community members who wish to support the food bank can donate by mail to Community Food Bank of Mineral County, P.O. Box 46, Superior, MT 59872, or at TrailWest Bank, P.O. Box 10, Superior, MT 59872.

Donations may also be made in person at the Nugget Lounge in Superior or at the CFBMC itself, 45 Mullan Road West, Superior, on Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Donors participating in the alumni challenge are reminded to identify their graduating class with their contribution.

The food bank also invites the public to attend its Pop-Up Parking Lot Sale on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in their spacious parking lot. The event offers another opportunity for residents to support the organization's efforts to combat hunger throughout Mineral County. 

With community support, the food bank hopes both the renamed alumni challenge and the annual sale will help ensure local families continue to have access to food while building a stronger future for the organization and the community it serves.