Libby Food Pantry: A Lifeline for the Community

Libby Food Pantry has been a beacon of hope for families and individuals in the community for many years. This all-volunteer operation has been tirelessly working to alleviate food insecurity, providing essential resources and support to those in need. Through their unwavering dedication and the generosity of the community, the Libby Food Pantry has become a vital part of the local landscape, making a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve.

Nourishing the Community, One Household at a Time

A Safe Haven for the Food-Insecure

The Libby Food Pantry has been a sanctuary for families and individuals facing food insecurity in the community. With no paid employees, this nonprofit organization is entirely run by a team of dedicated volunteers who donate their time and talents to ensure that those in need have access to the sustenance they require. In 2023 alone, the pantry served over 250 food-insecure households, providing a staggering 140,000 pounds of food to local Libby families.

Empowering the Next Generation

The Libby Food Pantry's commitment to the community extends beyond just providing food to households. Through their Back Pack Program, the organization has been actively working to address the needs of food-insecure children in local schools. By purchasing, packaging, and distributing food to approximately 120 students, the pantry ensures that these young individuals have the nourishment they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Adapting to Changing Needs

The Libby Food Pantry has demonstrated its resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving challenges. In 2022, the organization relocated from the older Asa Wood School to the former JC Clubhouse, a move that has allowed them to better serve the community. The Lincoln County Commissioners have played a crucial role in this transition, crafting a contract that allows the food pantry to rent the new building for a mere per year.

Ensuring Uninterrupted Service

The Libby Food Pantry's commitment to its mission has led to the acquisition of essential equipment to safeguard its operations. Thanks to a ,538 grant from the LOR Foundation, the pantry was able to purchase two large generators, ensuring that perishable items, such as meats and vegetables, remain cold and frozen even during storms and power outages. This proactive measure has helped the organization avoid the devastating loss of an entire freezer of fish and poultry that occurred last year due to a breaker failure and refrigeration system malfunction.

Streamlining Operations for Greater Efficiency

The Libby Food Pantry has also invested in new equipment and tools to enhance the efficiency and ease of its operations. The acquisition of stainless steel carts and tables has been a game-changer for the volunteers, many of whom are older individuals. Previously, they had to resort to using large pieces of wood or cinder blocks to raise the tables to a comfortable working height, and wooden carts made the sanitation process more time-consuming. With these new additions, the workflow and process have become much smoother and more efficient, allowing the volunteers to focus on their vital work of serving the community.

The Ongoing Need for Support

While the Libby Food Pantry has made significant strides in serving the community and addressing food insecurity, the organization's work is far from over. Continuous donations and the availability of willing volunteers are essential to sustaining its operations. Ninety-five percent of all donated funds are dedicated to the purchase of food, with the remaining portion covering utilities and insurance.The Libby Food Pantry offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from assisting individuals and families with form-filling to lifting heavier boxes of food and even greeting and handing out bags to community members. Even a single hour of volunteer time is greatly appreciated and can make a meaningful impact.The Libby Food Pantry is located at 409 West Balsam in Libby, next to Pioneer Park. For those interested in getting involved or learning more, they can call the pantry at 293-3332 or email them at [email protected].