Missoula, MT — As food insecurity continues to rise in Montana, the Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) is taking a major step to meet the growing demand. The organization is set to complete construction on a new, state-of-the-art warehouse that will nearly double its capacity to provide food to families across the state.
The new facility, which is expected to be operational soon, will help MFBN expand its reach to more communities, including smaller, rural areas that often struggle with infrequent food deliveries. According to Gayle Carlson, president and CEO of MFBN, the new warehouse is a game-changer.
“The warehouse absolutely just astounds me every time I walk in there,” Carlson said. “The size and capacity that we will be able to utilize is going to allow us to better serve Montana’s families in need.”
MFBN currently works with 340 partners statewide, delivering food to both large cities and smaller towns. The new warehouse will allow for more frequent deliveries, addressing a key concern for many smaller communities that face logistical challenges in accessing food resources. The increased capacity will also support additional drivers and distribution efforts, further expanding the network’s ability to reach underserved areas.
“We would love to have more frequent deliveries to some of these smaller communities,” Carlson explained. “That’s going to take greater capacity here in our warehouse, but it’s something we’re committed to as we look to better serve those who need help the most.”
Governor Greg Gianforte visited the site of the new warehouse on December 19 to tour the facility and assist in packing food boxes for distribution. The Governor, who has been a vocal supporter of MFBN’s efforts, highlighted the critical role the organization plays in addressing food insecurity in Montana.
“Montana Food Bank Network has been serving our communities for 40 years, and they’ve outgrown their capacity,” Gianforte said. “This new facility will allow them to accept food they’re currently turning away and serve even more people in all 56 counties across the state.”
The need for MFBN’s services has surged in recent years, driven by a combination of economic pressures, rising costs of living, and increased visits to food pantries. According to the National Association of Realtors, Montana is now the least affordable state in the country. This economic strain has contributed to a sharp rise in the number of people turning to food banks for assistance. In 2024 alone, MFBN saw over 600,000 visits, a staggering increase of 200,000 visits from the previous year.
Despite the rising demand, MFBN’s funding relies exclusively on private donations, which remains a challenge. However, the network continues to operate at full capacity, determined to meet the needs of Montana’s most vulnerable populations.
Governor Gianforte also emphasized the importance of a strong economy in addressing long-term solutions to food insecurity, pointing to wage growth in Montana as a positive trend.
“Over the past four years, we’ve seen higher wage growth than almost any other state in the country. But even with that, we must take care of those in need today. Putting a meal on a table is a critical step in supporting our communities,” Gianforte said.
The expansion of MFBN’s facilities represents a significant step forward in the organization’s mission to alleviate hunger across Montana. As the new warehouse nears completion, the hope is that it will help provide more consistent, reliable food access for all Montanans, no matter where they live.
The Montana Food Bank Network remains committed to filling the gaps for the nearly one in ten Montanans who struggle with food insecurity each day, with the new facility providing a vital tool in that ongoing effort.
