HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-26-20 Public Comment - D. West - Gallatin Valley Food BankFrom:D West
To:Agenda
Subject:Gallatin Valley Food Bank
Date:Monday, October 26, 2020 10:28:33 AM
I have been involved with the food bank for 24 years as a volunteer and Council member.
Recently I learned that the City is considering delaying the food bank construction. Have youbeen over to see the present food bank in its location? Because of Covid19, they are doing
drive-through service to the clients. The lobby is tiny and can not accommodate having peopleinside because of the distancing rule of 6 feet. Winter is here, and as you know, it's frigid
outside. The food bank is at capacity and needs more space as soon as possible. They areseeing around 30 to 50 cars a day with several families inside. Most of the vehicles that our
clients drive have door windows that do not go down, doors that do not open, most have noheat and little gas to run the heater.
We have new people from everywhere buying homes in Bozeman; this event moves the
people who are low income further away. I fully understand that the City has other things toaccomplish, roads, sewage, infrastructure, etc. to accommodate those moving here. What
about those who live here and need food. These folks are doing a roundabout, in a smallparking lot, off a street that has cars coming and going from other businesses. The staff has to
worry about people sitting in their cars with no heat in subzero temperatures and snow as theyare trying to provide food boxes to these folks.
Please rethink putting the food bank on the back burner. They need to move into a new facility
to accommodate all the new people in Bozeman who need food as fast as possible. Covid19isn't going away, and the food bank serves the public; everyone needs to eat.
Sincerely,
Donna West