Governor Gianforte Highlights Impact of SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry

Encourages support during 12 Days of Giving

Governor's Office

HELENA, Mont. - On the tenth day of his 12 Days of Giving, Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted the SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry, a nonprofit organization providing food, household goods, and essential support to veterans and their families in Powell County and surrounding communities.

"The men and women who have served our country deserve our support every day," Gov. Gianforte said. "The SW Montana Veteran Food Pantry not only provides meals and essential goods but also offers hope and dignity to Montana veterans and their families. This holiday season, I encourage all Montanans to give our veterans a hand up and support the organization with food or monetary donations."

Jay and Susan Wood, co-founders of SW Montana Veteran Food Pantry, standing in front of the food pantry location in Deer Lodge

Founded in December 2021, the food pantry operates in Deer Lodge and serves veterans in its surrounding communities. The organization provides monthly and weekly food shopping options, fresh produce, pantry staples, and essential household goods to veterans and their families, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals.

According to SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry, one in nine working age veterans experience food insecurity. In the month of November, the organization distributed over 7,500 pounds of food to veterans. Year to date, SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry has distributed nearly 57,000 pounds of food. Last year, the pantry distributed over 37,000 pounds, marking a significant increase in donations to veterans and their families in 2025.

The pantry also operates a thrift store, offering affordable clothing, furniture, and household items, and provides assistance with holiday meals and gifts for veterans in need. In addition, the organization connects veterans to other community resources, including employment services, housing assistance, and healthcare programs. Through donations, volunteer support, and community partnerships, the pantry continues to expand its services to meet the diverse needs of Montana veterans and their families.

"Our goal is to make sure no Montana veteran goes without," said Jay Wood, founder of SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry. "Since our founding, we have served hundreds of veterans and their families, and we are grateful for the support from Montanans and leaders like Governor Gianforte who support this work."

Montanans can support the SW Montana Veteran Food Pantry by donating food, clothing, or household items, volunteering, or contributing financially. More information is available at swmtvetsfoodpantry.org .

In the month of December, the governor's fifth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign highlights the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

• On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.

• On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the fifth annual food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.

• On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate.

• On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted the Montana Hope Project and encouraged Montanans to support its mission of granting wishes for children facing critical illnesses.

• On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted Underwater Soldiers and encouraged Montanans to support its mission of helping veterans heal while restoring Montana waterways.

• On the 6th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for the Threshold of Life memorial to honor the contributions of all organ, eye, and tissue donors in Montana.

• On the 7th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his salary to NeighborWorks Great Falls High School House Program to support workforce training and increasing the supply of housing.

• On the 8th Day of Giving, the governor highlighted Friends of the Children Eastern Montana and encouraged Montanans to support its long-term mentorship program for kids.

• On the 9th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his salary to ZoeCare to support the nonprofit pregnancy support clinic in Bozeman.

• On the 10th Day of Giving, the governor promoted the SW Veteran Food Pantry, encouraging Montanans to support the organization that provides food and household items to veterans and their families.

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