Helena Food Share Inc

Programs: Helena food share, inc. (the organization) is a non profit corporation organized in 1987 to provide food to families in need in the helena area. Support is provided by the public, local churches, local businesses, social service organizations and private groups. During the years ended june 30, 2018 and 2017, helena food share provided ten food distribution programs and three supportive programs. Core programshelena food share operates a grocery program at its lewis st pantry, east helena food share pantry, and mobile pantry. Accordingly, at june 30, 2017, the programs distributed food to the following number of visitors: monthly groceries 17,089 weekly groceries 11,610 core distribution program 28,699 holiday servicehelena food share provides traditional thanksgiving and christmas meals. Foods available for families include a turkey and extra sides so they can serve traditional holiday meals. Accordingly, at june 30, 2018, helena food share provided traditional meals to the following number of families: thanksgiving 1,279 christmas 815 total 2,094 kid packshelena food share serves local elementary children through the kid packs program. Students identified by school teachers and staff as at risk for weekend hunger are given a special pack of kid-friendly foods to provide a source of weekend nutrition. During 2018 and 2017, the program served 13 elementary schools and head start in helena and east helena, providing a total of 39,019 kids packs for the school year. Senior assistancehelena food share offers targeted food assistance to income-eligible seniors. During 2018 and 2017, the senior farmers market nutrition program provided 300 eligible seniors $50 in coupons to purchase montana grown fruit, vegetables, and herbs at the helena farmers market, respectively. Helena food share also serves as the helena area distribution partner for the rocky mountain development council's senior commodity food program. Eligible seniors are provided with a staple of nutritious usda-supplied food items on a bimonthly basis. During 2018 and 2017, 2,219 and 2,215 commodity boxes, respectively, were distributed. Agency collaborationhelena food share distributes surplus food to other local nonprofit agencies, such as god's love, and also assists the montana food bank network with receiving and distributing foods ordered by other local agencies. Emergency snack pack distribution occurs with many agencies and organizations, including the office of public assistance, the montana job service, pure view, and others. Helena food share distributed 702 and 3011 energency snack packs in 2018 and 2017, respectively.