Montana Food Banks Get $1.5M Match Boost
Local operators hosting donation points can channel customer giving into 126 participating food banks before the Nov. 30 close.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Town Pump Charitable Foundation is matching $1.5 million toward a $4 million fundraising goal for Montana food banks, as a record 126 food banks join the Help Those in Need campaign running through Nov. 30. The campaign, now in its 25th year, is a direct-giving drive for food banks that serve operators' local communities across the state.
Why it matters
Rising food costs and everyday expenses are pushing more Montana families to rely on food assistance, and food banks report they are operating at maximum capacity. Matching grants are a common way to stretch local donations, which is why the campaign's structure is relevant to businesses weighing community giving.
The campaign has raised about $60 million for Montana food banks over 24 years, with nearly $15 million of that tied to Town Pump matching grants. This year 126 food banks are participating, a record, toward a $4 million goal backed by a $1.5 million match.
The players
Town Pump Charitable Foundation
The charitable arm of Town Pump, a Montana-based convenience store and gaming operator, which is providing the matching grants for the campaign.
Butte Emergency Food Bank
A Butte-based food bank receiving up to $50,000 in matching funds through the campaign.
Butte Rescue Mission
A Butte-based charitable organization receiving a $50,000 match through the campaign.
Montana Tech Foundation Food Pantry
The food pantry of the Montana Tech Foundation, receiving a $5,000 match through the campaign.
The details
Donations are being collected at local Town Pump stores, Lucky Lil's, Montana Lil's and Magic Diamond casinos, the Garner Hotel, and the Flying J. The Foundation is matching up to $50,000 on behalf of the Butte Emergency Food Bank, $50,000 for the Butte Rescue Mission, and $5,000 for the Montana Tech Foundation Food Pantry. Contributions can also be sent directly to those organizations.
Timeline
Nov. 30: Help Those in Need campaign ends.
Market Landscape
The Help Those in Need campaign began in 2001 and has become a long-running fixture of Montana food-bank fundraising, with this year marking its 25th iteration. Matching grants from a single corporate foundation account for nearly a quarter of the campaign's cumulative total.
Businesses with local retail footprints in Montana may see community-giving programs like this one as a channel for customer-facing donation drives. Operators considering a matching or point-of-sale giving model should consult a qualified accountant on how such contributions are treated for their own filings.
The takeaway
Point-of-sale donation drives tied to a corporate match are a practical model for operators who want to support local food banks without a large standalone budget. Track how much of the $4 million goal is reached by Nov. 30 to gauge the campaign's momentum.
Further reading
For more on how giving programs like this one work, explore the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Missoulian.
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Do you think it is getting harder for families in your area to afford food?
