MISSOULA — Holiday breaks can be unbearable for kids relying on school lunches to meet basic nutritional needs. Fortunately, through EmPower Place, they have somewhere to turn.
EmPower Place is the vibrant building attached to the Missoula Food Bank and Community Center.
A collaboration between SpectrUM Discovery Area, the Missoula Food Bank, and the Missoula Public Library, the space offers children and families the chance to learn and play together through interactive exhibits and activities.
Most importantly, when school isn’t in session, EmPower Place focuses on having healthy food and snacks for the kids that need it most.
“There are a lot of kids that rely on school meal programs to meet their nutritional needs, and during times that school is not in session, those kids are at risk of hunger, so first and foremost, we’re making sure those kids have access to a healthy meal here and at other locations across the community," Missoula Food Bank executive director Aaron Brock said.
Brock also noted that the Missoula Food Bank is nearing the end of its 34th annual holiday food drive. Nearly $80,000 short of their goal, he hopes the community will continue making monetary and food donations to support programs like EmPower Place.
Click here for details on meal times and programming.
