Missoula Food Bank Faces Major Food Supply Reduction In 2024

The Missoula Food Bank and Community Center has announced it anticipates a reduction in a "critical source of food".

The USDA confirmed that $500 million in Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) purchases has been permanently canceled. This program helps to get surplus products from farms to local households.

The Food Bank distributed 228,900 pounds of food from TEFAP in 2024. The cancellation of this program will see the Missoula Food Bank lose nearly 40% of their TEFAP funding, which is equivalent to $180,000 or 91,000 pounds of food.

The food bank will need to purchase more food this year to make up for the shortage.

Amy Allison, Executive Director, believes they will be able to overcome this obstacle, but they will need help from the community more than ever before.

Without this federal support, the food bank will need the public’s support more than ever in ensuring everyone has access to nutritious food when they need it.- Amy Allison

We have worked closely with the Missoula Food Bank for the past thirty years with our annual Z100 Guerrilla Turkey Drive. We have seen firsthand the need for the food bank in this community and other communities in Western Montana.

We have also been witness to the generosity and giving of our community.

Over the years we've not only worked with the Missoula Food Bank, but also with the Mineral County Food Bank, the Darby Bread Box, Pantry Partners, and Haven House. Over the last few years all the food banks have continued to see the need for their services increase.

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There are more people who are struggling to put nutritious meals on their table in Montana. With the high cost of housing and groceries, it is more difficult for families to make ends meet. These cuts will be affecting food banks across the state.

If you would like to help you can reach out to your local food bank.