MISSOULA — The University of Montana Food Pantry has seen an increase in usage during the pandemic according to officials.
UM Food Pantry Student Coordinator Makaya Stone says that since the beginning of September they have served 80 more people than that same time period last year and of those, 44 were newcomers to the pantry.
The month of September was also busy for the pantry as well they helped distribute over 1,100 pounds of groceries.
"Definitely the pandemic. Everyone going through finical hardships right now. I mean before this job I lost my job for I think almost two months. I hear that story all the time from friends, family, people coming into the pantry," Stone told MTN News. So, I definitely think the pandemic has played a big factor in it."
Stone says that they can also help students get registered for SNAP benefits something she said she wishes more people knew about.
The UM Food Pantry is also always looking for donations and you can contact them at umpantry@mso.umt.edu.
Click here to learn more about the food pantry.
