When life gets complicated, having a reliable resource to lean on can make all the difference. 

Andrea first visited Flathead Food Bank nearly twenty years ago, after her eldest son was born. She was able to take home diapers and other essentials to help supply her new family during their first months together. Over the years—through moves from home to home, custody disputes, health concerns, and challenges with alcoholism—the food bank has been there for Andrea, ready to meet her where she’s at, without judgment.

“If it wasn’t for my faith and for the food bank, I would not be where I am now,” she says. 

Today, Andrea is back on her feet. She has a job and stable housing, with two of her sons living with her. She is going on one year sober. Overnight shifts are hard on her, but nothing is more important than being able to provide for her boys. When she visits the food bank, she beams with pride and shares hugs with the staff members and volunteers who have come to know and care deeply about her. 

“We make real connections with everyone who comes here for food,” says Cindy Fields, office assistant. “We know their names and their stories. We build those relationships, so people feel comfortable coming in and sharing the personal side. We’re a big, positive community.”