Food Pantry: A Resource in These Times of Economic Insecurity
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Located at 112 Sixth Street West in Chinook, the Chinook Food Pantry is a member of the Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN). As a partner agency, it provides direct service to individuals and families in need by distributing food and grocery products to clients in their service area. During this time of economic insecurity, the volunteers of this donation-based entity remind the community that the Food Pantry is a resource available to them.
One of those volunteers, Wilma Melville reported that there has been no increase in those requesting the services of the Food Pantry since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak. “We have a steady clientele of people who use our services, and there has been no drop off nor increase in their need. However, anyone who lives in Blaine County qualifies to receive food if they need it.”
Her words echo the MFBN’s mission, which “is to end hunger through food acquisition and distribution, education and advocacy.” Those in the MFBN network believe that “every person has the basic human right to access nutritious high-quality food that nourishes the mind, body and soul.”
The Food Pantry has regular hours from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. However, if someone has a food emergency, that individual is encouraged to call 406-945-0728, and someone will come to the rescue.
Since the onset of the social distancing mandates, the volunteers at the Food Pantry have changed their system of filling food orders to a curb-side approach. One of the Food Pantry volunteers will meet a client at the door of the building, fill the order, and then hand it back through the door. In order to minimize potential contamination or spreading of germs, no clients are allowed in the building.
“We are grateful to the community for their gracious support of the Food Pantry,” Melville said. “Without the volunteers and donations, we wouldn’t exist or be able to provide this essential service.”
According to Melville, the Food Pantry supplies the essentials—food that will keep people alive—but the entity also likes to provide additional items such as cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products. “We are currently in need of those extras, as well as treats like pudding, Jello, and cake mixes and essentials like soups. We are also out of laundry and hand soaps, Kleenex, napkins, paper towels, and toilet paper,” Melville added.
Individuals wishing to make a donation can do so by delivering any of these items to the Food Pantry or by calling 357-3805. Furthermore, people who find themselves living with food insecurity or facing challenges accessing food are encouraged to utilize this important community resource.
