Local News

Decision to open food bank in Big Sky meets some opposition

Posted: Dec 5, 2012 2:26 PM by Jamie Leary
Updated: Dec 6, 2012 10:45 AM

BIG SKY - A brand new food bank is getting ready to open its doors in the resort town of Big Sky.

But the food bank is drawing both support and opposition.

In a community surrounded by the Yellowstone Club, high-end boutiques and restaurants and a resort that touts the "Biggest Skiing in America," some wonder why Big Sky needs a food bank. Some may say it doesn't need a food bank; one person who wouldn't speak on camera said if you can't afford to live in Big Sky then don't, but Big Sky Food Bank organizers say those people don't know all the details.

"There is a need here. We have 50 to 75 families who use the Gallatin Valley Food Bank, which is our parent organization. That's a good 60 miles from here and it's not on a bus route," said Anne Marie Mistretta with the Big Sky Community Food Bank.

Mistretta says the community support has been overwhelming. Since October, it has received nearly 800 pounds of food and over $150,000 in donations

"Some people are working several jobs in order to stay here. It's unfair to think that people could come here and work, but then we expect them to get a car or a bus and drive over an hour to find some place to live," she said.

The shelves are empty now, but until the space is complete, the food bank operates twice a week out of a refrigerated truck.

The Big Sky Food Bank hopes to officially open its doors around Christmas.

The food bank currently operates Tuesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. and Friday's 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donations of non-perishables can be made at the Big Sky Food Bank at the Country Market, the Lone Peak Brewery or the Gallatin Valley Food Bank in Bozeman.