GREAT FALLS — Salvation Army officials say the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ‘Farmers To Families’ food box program has helped feed thousands in Montana through mass distributions and partnerships with local food banks and non-profits.
At the federal level, the program has purchased produce, meats, and dairy products from producers around the country in three rounds.
Corps Officer Mark King in Great Falls said federal officials are now reviewing applicants for the third round of distribution, which will cause a delay in distribution at the local level.
He says there is some good news - the second round of distributions is extended through September 18th. This means the Salvation Army will have two more Farmers To Families events before the program temporarily halts.
King says the organization is the middle man between the public and the program, and they have no control over when the Farmers To Families events will resume after the 18th.
"We just get a call the day of, saying, 'Your truck's gonna be here at this time,'” he said. “And then we make sure that we have volunteer and community partners ready to receive the food.”
King says they’re looking for volunteers to help with the next two distribution events at the Salvation Army; if you are interested, call The Salvation Army at 453-0391 for more information.
USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Program: https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/farmers-to-families-food-box
Salvation Army website: https://greatfalls.salvationarmy.org/
