Simple Ways to Help End Hunger in Our City

August 2025

Article by Elise Habel

“Adequate nutrition is fundamental to success.”

-Shelley Pierce

It’s estimated that 1 in 9 adults in Montana face hunger, and that number is even more staggering among children at 1 in 6. It’s something that we can sometimes overlook in our day-to-day lives: our neighbors, students, and community members face food insecurity daily. Meet some incredible organizations in our city that are actively fighting hunger and feeding our community, and learn how you can be a part of the solution.

THE EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Education Foundation is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to the well- being of children within School District 2. “We fuel student achievement by investing in the entire educational experience,” says Shelley Pierce, the Development and Community Relations Manager for the organization. Food insecurity can make it hard for children to focus in school. To help, the Education Foundation provides 700 discreetly packed BackPack Meals weekly and manages 36 food pantries for older students. “Nearly 40% of all students in Billings Public Schools are on free and reduced lunch,” says Shelley, “so we know that it is critical that our students receive adequate nutrition year-round.”

AS THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR APPROACHES, HERE IS HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE EDUCATION FOUNDATION:

Volunteer to pack monthly fresh fruit kits that are added to the BackPack Meals.
Gather a team and assemble larger food kits for school breaks, such as Christmas break.
Start a food drive at your business to collect items for the food pantries (food that is not expired, not contained by glass, and that children would enjoy eating).
Make a monetary donation.

MEALS ON WHEELS

Meals on Wheels (MOW) serves another vulnerable demographic in our community, 255 homebound seniors, delivering hot meals on weekdays and frozen meals on weekends, powered entirely by dedicated volunteers. “I cannot overstate enough how incredible our volunteer drivers are.” According to Stacy Seward, the program coordinator for the organization. “Sometimes they are the only person a participant might see that day.” Not only do volunteers provide the physical nourishment a participant needs, but they also connect with people in the field. As a branch of the Adult Resource Alliance, MOW volunteers can also direct participants to other ARA programs that may benefit them during their visits. Last year, Meals on Wheels provided 77,978 meals countywide.

HERE ARE SOME WAYS YOU CAN SERVE THE ELDERLY IN OUR COMMUNITY ALONGSIDE MEALS ON WHEELS:

Volunteer to drive a route and deliver meals.
Sign up to be a “substitute” driver.
Make a monetary donation to help MOW combat rising food costs.

FAMILY SERVICE

In 2024, Family Service distributed 3.4 million pounds of food to 35,000 households in Yellowstone County alone! It is certainly no small task to feed the community, but Family Service, its organizational partners, and hardworking volunteers are wholeheartedly committed to caring for the needs of Billings with a zero-waste attitude. “We never want any resources that come to us to go to waste,” Debbie Anderson, the Program Manager of Warehouse Development, tells me. “For food that we may have excess of, we have a freeze- drying program that provides community employment for those with disabilities.”

Family Service operates highly on the drive of community donations, volunteerism, local business partnerships, and the earnings of the thrift store. “Every little bit counts, and it all adds up,” Debbie added. “Thank you, everyone, for growing with us because the need is also growing - it takes a community.”

HERE ARE SOME WAYS YOU CAN PARTNER WITH FAMILY SERVICE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

Advocate for the organization by following them on social media and sharing their posts.
Volunteer in their no/low-cost thrift store and sort shipments and donations, or greet thrift store customers.
Sign up to help the food pantry run smoothly during operating hours.
Kids! Write Letters to Elders that will be packed in the monthly food boxes available for low-income individuals aged 60 and beyond.
Excess produce in your garden? They gladly accept that as well!
Are you or is someone you know a USDA Certified Wild Big Game processor? Family Service is seeking a partner to help increase the supply of lean protein coming through their doors.

The resilience of our community is defined by the selfless and compassionate acts of others that have an hour, a dollar, or simply kindness to spare. As we roll into a new season, take the opportunity to consider how you can take a stand in the battle against hunger in your sphere - it doesn’t take much to make a difference.

Originally printed in the August 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

Elise Habel

Elise is a Montana soul. She, her husband Ryan, and their adventure cat Calli, like to spend their summer days digging as deep into the wilderness as they can get with their travel trailer and Jeep. A tradeswoman, Elise has spent several years gaining vocational experience such as video production, content creation, and working in escrow. Elise’s wild heart is always longing for exploration and connection with her Yellowstone County community.

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