Community support often comes full circle, and this year, Three Rivers Bank’s Heritage Club is proving just that. The club has chosen Meals on Wheels as their Charity of Choice for 2025, setting out to raise funds to purchase a steer and a hog at the upcoming 4-H and FFA Livestock Sale at the Flathead County Fair. These animals, raised with dedication by local youth, will then be donated to the Meals on Wheels program, providing thousands of meals for homebound seniors across the county.
This initiative beautifully connects generations—supporting young agriculturalists while addressing food security for our senior community. At their kickoff event on December 5th, the Heritage Club welcomed 200+ attendees to the Fairground’s Expo Building and raised $1,800 in one evening and $2,924 to date. Their ultimate goal is to raise enough to purchase one steer and one hog, which will make a profound impact:
One steer provides approximately 1,500 meals
One hog provides approximately 1,000 meals
Meals on Wheels, a program run by the Flathead County Agency on Aging (AOA), is facing significant financial challenges. The demand for home-delivered meals has surged 82% since 2019, driven by a combination of factors such as the growing population of seniors reaching their 80s, and an increased desire to age in place rather than enter costly long-term care prematurely. At the same time, food costs have risen 92%, and employment costs have jumped 107%. While federal funding has kept pace with inflation, state funding has only increased 7% over the last decade, leaving a projected $250,000 funding gap in the coming years in the Nutrition program.
These numbers paint the reality: the need is growing, and funding struggles to keep up. Community-driven efforts like Three Rivers Bank’s initiative are more crucial than ever. This is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a testament to the power of grassroots generosity, responsible agriculture, and community-driven problem-solving.
For those looking to support this cause, consider making a donation to Meals on Wheels, attending a fundraiser, or spreading the word. The impact of this initiative will hopefully ripple through our community, proving that when generations work together, everyone benefits.