MISSOULA, MT (June 29, 2020) — Clearwater Credit Union (Clearwater) announced a $25,000 donation to the Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) during their 2020 Annual Member meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2020.

Clearwater’s Board of Directors authorized the donation in response to the increased demand for food assistance brought on by COVID-19.

Clearwater’s donation will provide financial support for MFBN emergency assistance programs like the Mail-A-Meal Program. The Mail-A-Meal program aids rural Montana communities that suffer from food insecurity due to their remote nature, low population, or lack of access to nutritious, quality food sources. Through this program, Montanans in need of assistance can sign up to have a thirty-pound box of non-perishable food items delivered to their home.

“Giving back to the communities we serve is deeply rooted in Clearwater’s culture. With the ongoing public health and economic crises, resources are tighter than ever across Montana. We are very pleased to be able to support the Food Bank’s efforts to help those in need,” said Jack Lawson, President & CEO of the credit union.

Neptune Aviation has provided space to store supplies and assemble the meal boxes, while employees from Alaska Airlines/Horizon Airlines are helping to assemble the packages. A team of Clearwater staff also volunteered to assemble boxes and as part of the United Way of Missoula DIY Day of Action. With the financial assistance from Clearwater, MFBN plans to distribute throughout Montana.

“MFBN is so grateful for the generous gift from Clearwater Credit Union to support our rural outreach efforts,” said Gayle Carlson, CEO of Montana Food Bank Network. “Not only did they fund enough food boxes to provide for 31,000 meals, they sent a volunteer crew to pack the boxes for distribution. We can’t thank them enough for this level of support!”

For more information, visit clearwatercreditunion.org/impactstory/mfbn, email Gwen Landquist at gwen.landquist@clearwatercreditunion.org, or call phone (406) 523-3347.

About Clearwater Credit Union

Established in 1956, Clearwater Credit Union is a values-based, member-owned cooperative whose mission is to be a force for good in banking, in the communities we serve, and in the lives of our members. To learn more, visit clearwatercreditunion.org or call us at (406) 523-3300.

About Montana Food Bank Network

Our mission is to end hunger in Montana through food acquisition and distribution, education and advocacy. MFBN has been feeding Montana since 1983. Our vision is a Montana free from hunger where everyone has equal access to nutritious food. To learn more visit mfbn.org.