Team members work alongside food bank team to prepare EmPower Packs for youth in Missoula County

Missoula, Mont. Dec. 5, 2024–This week Hayden Homes joined Missoula Food Bank & Community Center staff and volunteers on-site at Missoula Food Bank and Community Center to provide a $10,000 check and prepare bulk foods into EmPower Packs for children experiencing food insecurity. Hayden Homes will be helping Missoula Food Bank & Community Center finish the Holiday Drive strong by matching up to $10,000 worth of donations starting Monday, December 23rd.

“At Hayden Homes, we exist to Give As You Go™ so together we build a strong community and lead fulfilled lives,” said Ben McGerty, regional vice president with Hayden Homes. “We are so grateful for our partnerships with organizations like the Missoula Food Bank that join us in our belief that everyone in our community deserves the opportunity to thrive.”

Missoula Food Bank & Community Center currently serves 1 in 5 residents of Missoula County. Many beneficiaries are children experiencing food insecurity at home. Once a child is identified as needing additional nutritional support, they will receive an EmPower Pack at school on Fridays before school lets out for the weekend. These EmPower Packs cost $6 to prepare and provide 3-4 entrées, 2 breakfasts, hearty snacks, fresh fruits, and milk.

Hayden Homes volunteers are proud to play a role in distributing these essential resources to Missoula County youth. This year’s contribution of $10,000 to Missoula Food Bank & Community Center doubles their support from $5,000 in 2022.

“Donations, like the one from Hayden Homes, helps Missoula Food Bank & Community Center purchase the necessary nutrition to ensure our community is nourished and that no one goes hungry,” said Missoula Food Bank & Community Center Program Manager Jamie Breidenbach. “We are continually inspired by the support of the community in caring for one another.”