Food Security Links and Information
Missoula Food Bank
The Missoula Food Bank is open but is taking precautionary measures to help slow transmission of COVID-19. This includes transitioning to a box model for the emergency food pantry. The EmPower Place will be open for grab-n-go meals only; it is closed to play. A complete description of changes is online.
MFB&CC remains in need of community volunteers to ensure all our neighbors are able to access basic needs services. Those feeling healthy and well can sign up to volunteer online. Financial assistance is needed. Community members also can donate to the COVID-19 Response Fund online.
MCPS meal assistance
All Missoula County Public Schools meals will be provided free of charge to all students through Dec. 31.
- Grab and go meals will include breakfast along with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a deli sandwich option.
- Grab and go meals are available at each school site to:
-Students on remote learning days (including Mondays)
-Students attending the MCPS Online Academy
-Any youth under 18 - even homeschooled and private school students
-Anyone can pick up meals on behalf of a student.
Pick-up locations and times for schools are listed here. More details are online.
SNAP and WIC benefits
The federal CARES Act, implemented by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, will extend eligibility for these programs to approximately 100,000 Montanans.
SNAP information and eligibility
WIC information and eligibility
WATCH: Food Security Task Force works to make sure all residents have access to healthy, affordable meals
Missoula Aging Services: Meals on Wheels
Missoula Aging Services is committed to continuing to provide nutrition service to the Missoula community during the COVID19 pandemic. The process will change, but those affected will continue to receive services.
Meals on Wheels (MOW) continues to operate but is changing to a staggered delivery schedule to be more efficient with volunteer drivers as well as decrease exposure for the vulnerable population of older adults and people with disabilities. Meals will be delivered in combinations of hot and frozen meals to ensure nutritional needs are met. Please call MOW at Missoula Aging Services at 406-728-7682 if you need food delivered and are experiencing complications from COVID19 and/or homebound status or are under age 60 with a disability.
All Community Lunches are currently suspended, including at the Missoula Senior Center, Seeley Lake Senior Center and Lolo Community. Anyone who has been attending these meals and would like to be added to Meals on Wheels is welcome to call MAS at 406-728-7682 to sign up for delivery. The Missoula Senior Center and the Seeley Lake Senior Center are offering driveup services for meals so those who rely on the community lunches can pick up their meals.
Missoula Senior Center
The Missoula Senior Center has grab-and-go lunches available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 705 S. Higgins Ave. Prices vary.
Garden City Harvest
Garden City Harvest continues working to get fresh local food to Missoula County residents while adhering to current social and physical distancing guidelines to help protect the health and well-being of all program participants.
Community gardens: Garden City Harvest manages 10 community gardens around town where Missoulians rent plots to grow their own food. Garden City Harvest provides tools, water, soil amendments, and educational assistance along the way. Great for first time gardeners and those who have been gardening all their lives. GCH offers scholarships and payment options for gardeners in need. Learn more and apply.
CSA farm shares: Garden City Harvest grows and harvests fresh produce at four neighborhood farms, and members come to the farm each week of the season to pick it up in the open air of the farm. The CSA runs from June to October. In response to COVID-19 layoffs and closures, GCH is increasing its scholarships and has added payment options for our CSA farm shares.
UM Food Pantry
The UM Food Pantry is currently providing free meal kits and hygiene products for any community member, not just UM students. These meal kits and hygiene products can be found on a shelf outside the UM Food Pantry, which is located in the University Center next to ASUM. These kits can be picked up every Tuesday and Friday, and you do need a Griz Card to access the building.
UM Emergency Student Support Fund
UM and the UM Foundation have established the Emergency Student Support Fund to help enrolled students meet their basic needs, including food assistance, by alleviating unexpected financial hardship created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students may apply for assistance via the Office of Student Affairs website. All resources offered through the fund are made available by generous donations from family, friends and alumni of the University of Montana. Those community members interested in helping students in need may give online by visiting www.supportum.org/emergencyfund.
Pets
AniMeals is a pet food bank available to anyone in need, and there are currently no qualifying requirements to receive help with pet food. Anyone that needs help with pet food can stop from 2 to 4 p.m. any day of the week at 1700 Rankin St., or call 721-4710. AniMeals will collect basic information about the owners and their pets, and owners can return weekly if needed.