A popular programhelping feed families in and around Great Falls in need is having more events starting October 15.
The Great Falls Salvation Army will have Farmers to Families food boxes available the next three Thursdays. Food distributors partner with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to package and deliver food purchased by the USDA to organizations like the Salvation Army. Produce is purchased and provided under the Coronavirus Farm Assistance Program.
The federal program began earlier this year in response to the coronavirus pandemic and, according to the USDA, will have provided more than 100 million boxes of food by the end of October. The program has purchased produce, meats and dairy products to help feed thousands of Montanans. After federal officials reviewed applicants for the third round of distribution, there was a delay at the local level.
Boxes weigh up to 25 pounds and include potatoes, yellow onions, apples, oranges, yams or sweet potatoes, stonefruit, strawberries, broccoli and carrots mix, and bell peppers. There are no qualifications or income requirements to receive a box.
The Salvation Army will receive about 1,400 food boxes; 112 of them will be handed out to families at Thursday's event. The rest will be given to organizations in the community to distribute to the people they serve.
“It's really impressive and really proud of how our staff is able to make this work and partner with the other agencies in our community,” said Major Mark King.
The 112 food boxes should be available at around 1:30 p.m. at the Salvation Army’s Family Service Center; the address is 527 9th Avenue South.
This event will also be held October 22 and October 29. For more information, or if you would like to volunteer, call the Salvation Army at 406-453-0391.
