Montana: Local Impact
Hunger Statistics in Montana:
Hunger affects communities across Montana, touching people of all ages, backgrounds, and zip codes.
According to this latest data, 12.3% of Montanans—about one in eight people—experienced food insecurity, while 17.0% of children lacked reliable access to enough food. (Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap 2025, based on 2023 estimates.)
That child food insecurity rate represents an estimated 72,786 Montana kids (17.0% of the 2023 child population)—enough to fill Washington–Grizzly Stadium in Missoula (25,217 seats) nearly three times.
About 139,890 people across Montana face hunger. This challenge exists in every county, affecting urban, suburban, and rural communities alike.
Many households experiencing food insecurity earn too much to qualify for federal nutrition programs and instead rely on Montana food banks and their network of local partner agencies to meet basic food needs.
Partner Stories
Education Foundation For Billings Public Schools
Through this grant, we helped launch and strengthen The Munch Machine, a mobile food pantry designed to reach children and families where access is hardest. In its first summer of operation, the program delivered weekly food to 275 children—so many that capacity had to be capped due to demand. By bringing shelf‑stable foods, fresh produce, dairy, and occasional frozen items directly into high‑need neighborhoods and homes, the program ensured that no child went without essential nourishment during the summer months.
The impact extended far beyond food. Families shared heartfelt messages of gratitude, with one child writing, “You literally saved my life,” and a parent expressing thanks “from the bottom of this momma’s heart.” These moments affirmed not only the urgent need for the program, but its ability to bring relief, dignity, and hope. As the team refined staffing and delivery efficiencies, this investment helped build a model that reaches entire families—proving that mobile, community‑based solutions can create lasting impact for kids and caregivers alike.
