Southwest Montana News

Governor Greg Gianforte and the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Adam Meier have announced that Montana No Kid Hungry (NKH) is distributing $150,980 in grants to 11 local organizations across Montana. The funding aims to enhance food access and nutrition projects within the state.

Governor Gianforte highlighted the importance of strengthening the local food system. “Strengthening the local food system will help improve access to healthy and local food, support Montana’s farmers and producers, and provide a boost to the economy,” he stated.

Montana No Kid Hungry operates as a public-private partnership between DPHHS and the national non-profit Share Our Strength. Since March 2020, NKH has distributed over $2 million in grant funds to 58 communities throughout Montana.

Meier addressed the issue of hunger, noting its solvability and potential impact on individuals and communities. “The end goal is to help kids live happy, healthy, and successful lives where they can be self-sufficient,” Meier said. He emphasized NKH's role in connecting with communities for healthy food solutions while fostering systemic change to end hunger.

Among the grant recipients is Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center (MMFEC), which received $35,920. This funding will aid in developing healthier school food items using local produce, thus supporting local farmers. MMFEC Center Director Jan Tusik expressed enthusiasm about partnering with No Kid Hungry on this initiative. “Through collaboration and partnership with the Montana Office of Public Instruction, MMFEC hopes to expand access to healthy, locally-grown foods for schools statewide by developing easy-to-use value-added products,” Tusik explained.

Another recipient, Blue Heaven Harnessing Hope with the Fort Belknap Tribal Nations, received $20,480 for educational programs aimed at empowering youth through agricultural business planning. Toby Werk, Director of Blue Heaven Harnessing Hope, underscored the significance of involving tribal youth in these efforts: “It is essential to empower youth by passing on historic and cultural knowledge along with hands-on experience.”

All funds for NKH are raised privately through donors such as The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, Share Our Strength, The Montana Community Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MT, First Interstate Bank Foundation, Town Pump Charitable Foundation, Montana Association of REALTORS®, and Walmart.