Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Social Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents and food‑bank leaders urge Flathead County to affirm support for food security amid federal benefit concerns
Summary
Two public commenters urged commissioners to recognize food security and support local food banks; speakers said local families struggle despite work and requested a county proclamation backing food‑security and food‑bank work.
During the public‑comment period, two local food‑bank leaders told commissioners that rising housing and grocery costs, childcare needs and changes to federal benefits make food‑bank support essential.
Mandy Girth, who identified herself as Director of Development for North Valley Food Bank and a former SNAP recipient and social‑services worker, asked the county to issue a proclamation recognizing food security and supporting local food banks. "I respectfully urge the Flathead County commissioners to support strong local access systems by making a public proclamation of support of the food banks of Flathead County," she said, adding that recent federal action could make instability in SNAP benefits more persistent.
Kristen Moore, director of the Flathead Food Bank, described a recent fundraising effort and the organizations' work feeding students through school pantries; she told the board that "76% of our clients are working or trying to live off of an active income," and urged continued local partnership between nonprofits and government.
Why it matters: Public comments highlighted food insecurity among working families and asked the county to signal support for local food systems. Commissioners thanked the speakers and noted food banks are primarily donor funded, while expressing appreciation for their work.
No formal action was taken during public comment, but both speakers requested greater local recognition and partnership to ensure access to food for vulnerable households.
