Connecting over food in Seeley Lake

There is a common thread of community care and support for Veterans, Seniors and the community between the Seeley Lake Senior Center, Food Pantry, Veterans and Families and others.

After meeting Barb Knopp, President of Seeley Lake Veterans and Families, when she visited the Deer Lodge Southwest Montana Food Pantry to pick up 80 bags of meat for Seeley veterans, the Deer Lodge Pantry wanted to do a food distribution in Seeley Lake.

"A 600 pound food donation on Sept. 23 by the Deer Lodge Southwest Montana Food Pantry to Veterans and Families of Seeley Lake attracted roughly 30 veterans," said organizer Susan Wood of the Food Pantry in Deer Lodge. "The Senior Center was a great location to set it up and we are so thankful they allowed us to use their wonderful building."

The food distribution hosted by Deer Lodge Southwest Montana Food Pantry was their second of three distributions so far this fall.

"My motivation to help is because veterans are VERY humble," Wood said. "Most of the time, they will not go to a traditional food pantry because they feel they are taking food away from someone who needs it more than they do. When it is a veteran giving to another veteran, it changes the dynamics and they are more willing to accept what we have to offer."

Every fall Seeley's Veterans and Families pack grocery bags for a Seeley Lake Food Bank Food Drive at Cory's Market. Grocery bags are stocked with items the food bank needs. A $15 donation moves a grocery bag from the display shelf to the box for the food bank pantry.

Another effort to bring acknowledgment to Veterans not only in Seeley Lake but nationwide is the Valor Ride, an effort to raise awareness of veterans and veteran suicide. A cause in which Curt Friede is currently driving side-by-sides over gravel roads to El Paso Texas. The Veterans and Families donated $2,200 to that cause.

Another example of Seeley Lake's generous spirit is the Senior Center where the Veteran's Food distribution was held. The Seeley Senior Center has been in business since the late 1990s, built on donated land. Lately 10-20 people a day eat there, plus several are receiving meals delivered by volunteers.

"The Senior Center is supported totally by donations through individuals, Missoula Aging Services and the Change Your Pace Challenge," Debbie Anderson, Senior Center board president said.

The Senior Center provides the lunch meal Monday- Friday; a salad, soup, main course and dessert for $6 to those 60 years and older, and $10 for those below 60 years old. Meals can also be delivered to those unable to attend.

Social opportunities at the Senior Center take place three days a week. Bingo, Pinochle and Cribbage are offered several days a week. Board member Knopp said they're hoping to start Mexican Train dominoes soon. The fourth Monday is the Senior Center Board Meeting.

"It's a great town for working together," said Knopp.

The Seeley Food Bank receives donations from the food box at Rovero's, area churches and individuals.

Seeley's Change Your Pace Challenge is the premier fundraising event, earning $95,050.81 in 2023 for many local non-profits including Veterans and Families of Seeley Lake and the Senior Center.

The Southwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry welcomes Veterans of Seeley Lake to visit and get food. They offer rides and mental health support to veterans. A Thrift store is a future goal. The food pantry is located at 505 Main St, Deer Lodge. It is suggested to call ahead for an appointment to visit to make sure someone will be there. Call at 406-846-4777.