Washington Foundation Donates $160K To Food Banks

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation has donated $160,000 to 61 state food banks, missions and shelters.

The gift is the largest holiday donation the foundation has made to date.

More than 142,000 Montanans, including 44,000 children, are living below the income level the federal government uses to define poverty.

Foundation executive director Mike Halligan says he hopes the money will help the food banks during their high-demand winter months.

Meanwhile, the Daily Inter Lake reports Plum Creek has donated $35,000 to food banks in northwestern Montana as the area continues to struggle with impacts from the recession.

Tom Ray, a Plum Creek vice president, says food banks are serving a critical need as some families are still working to make ends meet.

Associated Press