Missoulians Buy Thousands of Pumpkins to Help the Hungry

Staff at Missoula's Poverello Center are expressing a big thanks to everyone who purchased a "Pumpkins for the Pov" this year, helping to raise thousands of dollars to help feed the hungry in the coming cold months of winter. 

The annual drive resulted in the sale of 2000 pumpkins during the month-long fund drive leading up to Halloween.

The Poverello Center launched the effort a few years ago as an annual fundraiser to help offset the cost of providing food services at its shelter on West Broadway. And with rising food costs, and the growing demand for people coping with hunger, a lot was riding on this year's campaign. 

The funds help the Pov with preparing meals at the shelter on West Broadway, but also through partner programs that are also assisting individuals and families across the Garden City. 

Missoulians responded by snapping up the hundreds of pumpkins that were raised at an organic farm west of The Wye, and then stored at the Blackfoot Communications warehouse before being moved to sales locations. Those included the Good Food Store, Rattlesnake Market, YMCA Missoula, Imagination Brewery, The Trough and local Parkside Credit Unions. 

"We are incredibly grateful to live in such a wonderfully, giving community! Thank you, Missoula! And a special thanks to Clearwater Credit Union and Blackfoot Communications whose support helps us make this all happen. Proceeds from the sale of Pumpkins for The Pov will help us to provide healthy meals to our most vulnerable community members."