Governor Gianforte Contributes Salary to North West Montana Veterans Food Pantry

• December 15 2022

KALISPELL, Mont. – Marking the eleventh day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte today contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to the North West Montana Veterans Food Pantry, a nonprofit serving veterans in need and their families.

“Veterans deserve our support after making tremendous sacrifices in service to our nation,” Governor Gianforte said. “On our eleventh Day of Giving, I’m honored to give back to those lending a helping hand to our nation’s heroes. If Montanans are able, I encourage them to support the North West Montana Veterans Food Pantry in its critical mission.”

Governor Gianforte presents his salary contribution to Allen Erickson, founder of the North West Montana Veterans Food Pantry

Over two decades ago, founders Allen and Linda Erickson opened the North West Montana Veterans Food Pantry to give back to the veteran community. In addition to the food pantry, the nonprofit has expanded its services to include a Veterans Thrift Store, DME medical equipment and loan programs, facilities for veterans struggling with homelessness, and more.

“We love our veterans. Here, they don’t come second or third, they come first. If you help a veteran, you know that veteran will go help someone else,” said Allen Erickson, founder of the North West Montana Veterans Food Pantry.

Accepting the governor’s salary contribution at the Veterans Thrift Store this afternoon, Erickson continued, “You’ve been here three times, governor, and you always bring joy. I’ll get even with you one day!”

Governor Gianforte visits with Allen, volunteers, and community members at North West Montana Veterans Food Pantry

In October 2020, the governor committed to Montanans he would contribute his governor’s salary to nonprofit organizations and charities in the state. This marks the fourth salary donation during the governor’s 12 Days of Giving this year.

Running through Friday, the governor’s 12 Days of Giving will highlight the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

• On the 1^st Day of Giving, the governor visited the Butte Rescue Mission and served lunch to Montanans struggling with food insecurity.
• On the 2^nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the second annual canned food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.
• On the 3^rd Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to support Montana veterans through the Veterans Navigation Network.
• On the 4^th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to donate a new, unwrapped toy to a Toys for Tots campaign in their community.
• On the 5^th Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate blood.
• On the 6^th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Youth Empowerment Services (YES!) in Anaconda.
• On the 7^th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to give back to our firefighting workforce through the Montana Firefighter Fund.
• On the 8^th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Child Bridge.
• On the 9^th Day of Giving, the governor promoted the work of Special Olympics Montana and encouraged Montanans to support their mission.
• On the 10^th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to the Montana 4-H Foundation.
• On the 11^th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to the Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry.

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