NWMT Veterans Food Pantry | December 31, 2025
As the snow gently covers the mountains surrounding the Flathead Valley this New Year’s Eve, the team at the Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry & Stand Down in Kalispell takes a moment to reflect on 2025, a year filled with heartfelt generosity, meaningful connections, and unwavering support for our veterans and their families.
For over 25 years, we’ve remained committed to providing a “helping hand up” to homeless, low-income, and at-risk veterans across Northwest Montana. From monthly food boxes and holiday meals to clothing, household items, durable medical equipment loans, and vital resource connections, all at no cost, our doors at 1349 US Highway 2 East have stayed open Monday through Friday, ready to serve those who served us. The attached Veterans Clothing & More thrift store continued to thrive, with proceeds directly supporting our programs and offering affordable treasures to the community during Montana’s long winters.
Transformative Support and Milestones
June brought a truly game-changing blessing when T-Mobile awarded us a $50,000 Hometown Grant. This incredible support is helping improve our facilities, including much-needed parking lot enhancements and the creation of a prominent veterans monument on our property—a visible tribute to the heroes who pass by daily on Highway 2.
That same month, on June 7, we hosted Veterans Appreciation Day at Snappy’s Back Courtyard in Evergreen. Hundreds of veterans and families joined us for free BBQ, live music, fun activities, and direct access to VA services, employment resources, and health information. It was a day of laughter, stories, and reminders that our veterans are cherished members of this community.
Events That Strengthened Bonds
In spring, our April 26 Community Shred Event:”Tax Season is Over!” was a resounding success. Community members brought documents for secure shredding (first four boxes free), while generously donating canned goods and funds. Partnering with experts on fraud prevention, we also shared important resources on suicide prevention and caregiver support, blending practical service with caring education.
One of the most uplifting highlights of summer 2025 was the return of international award-winning Elvis tribute artist Ben Klein to Veterans Camp Ponderosa for a heartfelt weekend of music and community spirit. On Saturday, July 12, the “Red, White & G.I. Blues” Veterans Appreciation & Benefit Show rocked the evening with electrifying performances, patriotism, and fellowship, raising vital funds while honoring our heroes under the Montana stars. The celebration continued Sunday, July 13, with Ben’s soul-stirring “In-klined to Sing” Elvis & More Gospel Concert, an afternoon filled with faith, inspiration, and timeless gospel favorites that touched hearts deeply. Veterans, families, and supporters gathered in the beautiful setting of Camp Ponderosa, sharing laughter, stories, and gratitude, reminding us all of the healing power of music and the unbreakable bonds within our veteran community. Events like these not only bring joy but strengthen our mission, with every note and smile contributing to the helping hand we extend year-round.
The highlight of fall was the 25th Annual Libby Veterans Stand Down on October 4-5 at the Libby Memorial Events Center. This cornerstone event drew veterans from across Montana and beyond, serving 335 in a single weekend with food boxes (111 distributed), haircuts (85 given), flu shots (69 administered), healthcare screenings, benefit enrollments, clothing, pet food, and warm meals. As CEO Pamela Koller shared, veterans traveled from as far as Spokane, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah to connect with services and each other, proving the enduring power of this gathering to provide hope and resources.
Year-Round Generosity and Holiday Warmth
Throughout 2025, the Flathead Valley’s spirit shone brightly. Generous donations, like 1,500 pounds of ready-to-go meals from a Spokane Valley school in October and substantial contributions from groups like the Montana Legends, kept our shelves stocked amid rising needs. Schools, businesses, and individuals hosted drives, ensuring no veteran went without.
Holiday seasons were especially touching, with special Thanksgiving and Christmas meal boxes, complete with all the fixings, bringing comfort and joy to hundreds of veteran households. Our thrift store’s promotions, including back-to-school specials and holiday deals, drew crowds while raising vital funds.
Posts from our team often echoed the humility we feel: overflowing donations reminding us how deeply this community cares, even as food insecurity challenges persist in rural Montana.
Stepping into 2026 with Hope
As 2025 draws to a close, with messages of Merry Christmas, safe holidays, and gratitude for volunteers, donors, partners, and every helping hand, we look ahead stronger than ever. Challenges remain, but so does the incredible compassion of Northwest Montana.
Pamela Koller, our dedicated CEO, along with the entire team, extends profound thanks to everyone who sorted donations, filled carts, amplified our reach, or simply showed up when needed most.
If this year’s stories touched your heart, let’s carry that spirit forward. Needs like peanut butter, coffee, canned meats, and non-perishables are always welcome. Volunteer your time, shop the thrift store, or donate online at https://veteransfoodpantry.org/donations/
Together, we’ve shown that supporting our veterans is a year-round commitment, one act of kindness at a time.
What will your helping hand be in 2026? 🇺🇸
