As the holiday season draws closer, food banks are preparing for what is often the busiest time of year. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the Great Falls Community Food Bank is gathering all the donations they can to help serve those in need.
Typically at this time of year, the food bank sees a higher demand for meals. Shaun Tatarka, the director of the Great Falls Community Food Bank, says they typically see a 20% increase in the need for meals during the winter months. “That’s usually because of the increase in heating costs, as well as seasonal workers being out of work,” said Tatarka.
But this time of year is also the season of giving, and the Great Falls community isn’t shy to offer a helping hand. In fact, this year, they have gone above and beyond.
“We saw it during COVID, we were hit, we had people calling up, asking us, you know, what they could do and it was really quite touching. And as a result, the food bank, actually right now, is in pretty good standing,” said Tatarka. “Now we don’t know how long COVID’s gonna last, or what it’s going to continue to do to the economy. But right now, the Great Falls Community Food Bank is in a really, really solid position and that’s just because of the generosity of the Great Falls public.”
The Great Falls Community Food Bank will be hosting their Scare Away Hunger Food Drive on Thursday, October 29th from 12:00pm to 6:00pm and on Friday, October 30th, from 10:00am to 5:00pm at Sam’s Club located at 401 Northwest Bypass. Those who donate will receive a free sweet treat — no trick!
