MSU BILLINGS NEWS— The Yellowjacket Emergency Pantry at Montana State University Billings recently received a sizable donation from Yellowstone Rim Runners.
A check presentation ceremony was held Dec. 19 at the Billings Clinic Conference Center where Yellowstone Rim Runners and benefactors from this year’s Run Turkey Run race gathered. Representing the Yellowjacket Emergency Pantry (YEP) were Pete Buchanan and Breanna Allen. Other benefactors included Rocky Mountain College, Family Services, Billings Backpack Program, and Meals on Wheels.
“We are super proud of the recipients we work with and the work they do,” commented Cathy Cullen, co-race director. “This is the third year for MSUB being on board. Over the last nine years we have donated over a quarter million dollars to the community to fight hunger.”
The Run Turkey Run race presented by Yellowstone Rim Runners is currently the single largest benefactor for the YEP. Without their generous support, MSUB would be unable to provide the high-impact service to students. To date, YEP has received $24,000 from the organization and all funds went directly to YEP programs designed specifically to address food poverty at MSUB.
“As we continue to address food insecurity within higher education, it’s critical that we listen to the needs of our students, evaluate our current practices and develop sustainable solutions that address the complex causes of food poverty within our communities,” shares Buchanan. “No student should ever need to choose between studying and food.”
YEP offers food, hygiene and school supplies to students in a discrete and safe environment. Their goal is to connect students to university services and resources with the aim of highlighting and addressing food insecurity within Montana State University Billings. They also work with trusted non-profit community partners to help support food hunger initiatives within the wider Billings community.
