Drive Through Food Drive for Local Families

The Yellowstone County Democrats (YCD), in partnership with Billings First Congregational Church, are organizing a community-wide Food Drive to provide immediate support to local families facing disruptions in food assistance.

The one-day main collection event will take place this Saturday, November 1st, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in front of Billings First Congregational Church located at 310 N 27th St, Billings, MT 59101. All collected items will be donated directly to Family Service to ensure they reach neighbors in need across Yellowstone County.

The Drive-Through Event: Immediate Relief

Recent disruptions in food assistance funding have created an urgent need for emergency food supplies among thousands of Montanan families. Recognizing the severity of this temporary challenge, YCD and its community partners are stepping up to provide immediate, tangible relief.

State Senator Emma Kerr-Carpenter (SD 23-Billings) and State Representatives Denise Baum (HD 45-Billings), James Reavis (HD 47-Billings), and Denise Joy (HD 46-Billings) will be on hand Saturday to greet donors and assist with the collection of critical supplies.

“Our commitment is to our community, and right now, our neighbors need us to step up,” said Virginia Duke, Chair of the Yellowstone County Democrats. “We are incredibly grateful to partner with First Church, Family Service, and our union friends to make this drive a success, and we are proud to be one of many organizations in Billings stepping up. This is a moment for collaboration, and we are asking everyone to join us in supporting those who are currently struggling to put food on the table.”

The partnership with Billings First Congregational Church and the expertise of Family Service ensure that the donations directly support the most vulnerable residents in our community.

Ongoing Collection Opportunities

For those unable to attend the Saturday drive-through event, there are simple ways to contribute until food assistance funding is fully restored, through two separate, ongoing community efforts:

First, the Yellowstone County Democrats are coordinating with labor and community partners to maintain weekly drop-off sites, including the local offices of BEA/MFPE and the Plumbers & Pipefitters union hall.

Following the Saturday drive through event, Billings First Congregational Church will host an internal drop box organized by the Billings SNAPs Back Food Drive, a parallel partnership effort distributing food to local families. Donations for this effort can be dropped off at the church during their regular business hours.

Community members are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to drop off at Billings First Congregational Church, especially:

• Canned pumpkin
• Canned cranberry sauce
• Boxes of stuffing mix
• Canned green beans
• Gravy mix or packets
• Other holiday items

In addition, general needs remain high:

• Canned proteins (tuna, chicken)
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Pasta and pasta sauce
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Baby formula and baby food

This collaborative effort underscores the Billings community’s ability to unite for immediate local relief. Every donation, whether a can of green beans at the Saturday event or an ongoing contribution at one of the food drive collection sites, directly translates into a holiday meal and critical support for a Yellowstone County family in need.

WHAT: Community Food Drive
WHO: Yellowstone County Democrats, Billings First Congregational Church, and Family Service
WHEN: Saturday, November 1, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
WHERE: Billings First Congregational Church at 310 N 27th St, Billings, MT 59101
WHY: To provide urgent, local relief to families facing food insecurity due to recent disruptions in federal funding.