Gov. Gianforte Volunteers, Contributes Salary to Innovative Food Bank

• December 10 2021

LIVINGSTON, Mont. – Continuing his 12 Days of Giving campaign, Governor Greg Gianforte this morning toured and volunteered at the Livingston Food Resource Center (LFRC). He also contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to the organization.

“Using high-quality, Montana-grown ingredients, the Livingston Food Resource Center provides nutritious, homemade foods to Montanans in need, all while supporting Montana ag producers and creating jobs,” Gov. Gianforte said. “The center also supports dozens of Montana food banks across the state by sending them homemade Montana wheat bread for free. With inflation and supply chain shortages, it’s becoming harder and harder for Montanans to put food on the table, and I’m proud to support nonprofits like LFRC that are helping our neighbors and communities.”

Gov. Gianforte stocks shelves at the Livingston Food Resource Center after donating a quarter of his governor’s salary to the organization.

Sourcing high-quality, locally grown ingredients from Montana producers, LFRC’s mission is to eliminate hunger in Livingston and Park County, in part by distributing healthful food and supporting food-related economic development that drives job creation.

During his visit, the governor toured the Community Bakery which offers fresh-baked bread to food pantries across Montana free of charge.

After touring LFRC facilities, the governor presented a quarter of his annual salary to Michael McCormick, director emeritus of LFRC. Approximately 85% of the food served by the center is purchased with donated funds.

“We’re grateful for Governor Gianforte’s support and awareness of issues faced by people living in poverty and the work that food pantries are doing in this state,” director emeritus McCormick said. “It’s an honor for the LRDC to be selected for this donation.”

The governor then joined McCormick, executive director George Peirce, and staff to stock shelves at the food pantry.

Food banks in Montana and nationwide have experienced increased demand throughout the pandemic.

Recently, demand at and costs for food banks in Montana and nationwide have spiked with inflation and supply chain shortages driving up the cost of food. According to today’s report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of groceries has increased 6.4% in the last 12 months, including bacon up 21%, beef up 20.9%, eggs up 8%, chicken up 9.2%, baby food up 6.7%, and milk up 4.6%.

Running through mid-December, Governor Gianforte’s 12 Days of Giving campaign will highlight the work of a dozen nonprofit organizations serving Montanans in need.

• On the 1^st Day of Giving, the governor established a One Warm Coat drive at the State Capitol to help ensure no Montanan goes cold this winter.
• On the 2^nd Day of Giving, the governor launched a canned food drive competition among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to consider giving to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.
• On the 3^rd Day of Giving, the governor visited the Great Falls Rescue Mission to help encourage guests and promote the work of the organization to serve Montanans struggling with homelessness and hunger.
• On the 4^th Day of Giving, the governor, lieutenant governor, and members of the cabinet donated toys to the Helena area Toys for Tots.
• On the 5^th Day of Giving, public health leaders and the governor encouraged Montanans to help address the nationwide blood shortage and become a blood donor through the American Red Cross of Montana.
• On the 6^th Day of Giving, the governor volunteered at the Livingston Food Resource Center and contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to the organization.

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