The Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) Committee presented a check for $8500 to the Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) during their luncheon Friday, November 10. The luncheon was part of the 104th MFBF Annual Convention November 8-11 at the DoubleTree and Northern Hotels in downtown Billings.

The donation came from proceeds raised during the YF&R Hoofin’ it for Hunger Race September 9 in Dillon, thanks to generous local sponsors, participants and county Farm Bureaus. Although this marked the 13th year for the race, in 2020 and 2021 it was held virtually. This year, participants competed in a 5K or 10K. Virtual runners who opted not to run made up a portion of the proceeds to the Montana Food Bank Network.

YF&R Committee Chair Nick Courville said, “We had another successful year of Hoofin’ it for Hunger in Dillon. The community support is amazing and makes it enjoyable to hold our event there. The partnership with the Montana Food Bank Network is rewarding as we both strive to raise awareness for hunger relief in Montana and continue this incredible relationship.”

MFBN Chief Development Officer Bill Mathews noted, “The Hoofin’ it for Hunger event has created awareness for hunger relief in Montana since 2011, and it has raised $87,300 cumulative, including this year's donation. That amount has provided at least 436,500 meals to those in need. Montana Food Bank Network is grateful for this continued support and partnership with the Montana Farm Bureau Federation and Young Farmers & Ranchers, plus their dedication to Hoofin’ it for Hunger.”

Mathews explained that hunger issues continue in 2023 due to inflation (higher gas and food costs) statewide are tremendous, and donations like this have a significant impact on those facing food insecurity on a day-to-day basis.

Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) is Montana’s only statewide food bank and a member of Feeding America. MFBN distributes food to 360 partners that include community food banks, pantries, schools, senior centers, and shelters to end hunger in Montana. MFBN’s hunger relief programs include BackPack, Hunters Against Hunger, Mail-a-Meal, No Kid Hungry, Retail Food Rescue, and SNAP outreach. MFBN advocates for long-term policy solutions to strengthen public nutrition programs and address the root causes of hunger. For more information, visit https://mfbn.org.