Our Mission
Our vision is to help Big Sky become a stable and liveable year-round resort community for all.
BSCFB promotes a vibrant local economy by utilizing community resources to preserve the food security, health and dignity of those in need in the Big Sky area.
The Big Sky Community Food Bank enhances food security in Big Sky.
Food Banks were originally intended to fill the gap when households were out of food and resources due to an emergency. Emergency situations (major disasters), are now less than half of our client load. We also serve working poor households whose income does not stretch to cover food expenses, seasonally employed households, older adults living on fixed incomes, as well as households who are temporarily homeless. Levels of long-term unemployment and more frequently underemployment continue to force people with jobs to seek emergency food assistance. More often than not, at least one person in every household we serve has someone currently employed.
1 in 8 Gallatin County residents were nourished through all of our programs.
An average 1,362 households (roughly 3,050 individuals) eat meals from our monthly emergency food boxes provided by our Bozeman location and our satellite services in Three Forks, Belgrade, and now Big Sky, Montana. Almost 33% of these recipients are children.
OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
EMERGENCY FOOD BOX PROGRAM
If you are out of food and resources due to an emergency, we offer a five to seven day supply of food. The box size depends on the number of people in the household. Perishable food items are available on an ‘as received’ basis through our Food Rescue Program. For more information visit our Get Help page.
SENIOR GROCERY PROGRAM
We provide supplemental service for olders adults 60+ . Every month volunteers deliver pre-packed groceries to area seniors with the intention of supplementing the household’s grocery budget. We are currently providing for more than 365 seniors per month with these supplemental foods. Items included are non-perishable staples such as: canned protiens, cheese, fruits and vegetables, juice, grains, and cereals. Age and income guidelines do apply. For more information visit our Senior Grocery page.
SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
During the school year, many children receive free and reduced-priced breakfast and lunch through the School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs. What happens when school lets out? Hunger is one of the most severe roadblocks to the learning process. Lack of nutrition during the summer months may set up a cycle for poor performance once school begins again. Hunger also may make children more prone to illness and other health issues. The Summer Food Service Program is designed to fill that nutrition gap and make sure children can get the nutritious meals they need. The Gallatin Valley Food Bank prepares free, nutritious meals in our commercial kitchen and we deliver them to area parks were kids come to eat, play games, and enjoy time outside. For more information visit our Summer Lunch Program page.
HEALTHY KIDSPACK PROGRAM
The KidsPack Program aims to end hunger for area children by picking up where state-funded programs leave off. Through the KidsPack Program nutritionally balanced, kid-friendly foods are packed and distributed to local school children every Friday during the school year. Teachers, school administrators and counselors discreetly give participating children their packs before the end of day. Instead of overlapping with the efforts of area Food Banks, the KidsPack program meets the food needs of children who might otherwise go hungry over the weekends. For more information visit our KidsPack Program page.
COMMUNITY CAFE
The Community Cafe is sponsored by the HRDC and the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. The cafe is open for you, your family, your friends, the community. The restuarant-like setting provides a welcoming atmosphere to anyone in need of a meal. Open 7 days a week from 5pm-7pm. For more information visit The Community Cafe at 302 N. 7th Avenue in Bozeman, MT.
