At WFM, we’re always proud to highlight innovative programs improving the lives of women and families. This month, we’re shining a light on our grantee North Valley Food Bank (NVFB) and their powerful Meals for Moms program, which is revolutionizing postpartum nutrition support in Northwest Montana.

Personal Inspiration Drives Innovation

The idea for Meals for Moms was sparked by NVFB's Culinary Arts Manager, Rachael, a new mom herself who recognized how hard it can be for new parents to prioritize nutrition. Executive Director Sophie experienced the life-changing support of a meal train during her postpartum journey, inspiring the team to recreate that care on a broader scale. "We believe every mother deserves nourishment, rest, and care and we wanted to make that more accessible to all, regardless of income or support system," explains Sophie Albert (Executive Director).

Fresh Solutions in Action

Through our $15,000 grant, NVFB's Meals for Moms program serves Flathead and Lincoln Counties with ready-to-eat frozen meals lovingly prepared by their culinary team and volunteers using fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients. Using blast chiller technology, they lock in quality while maintaining both taste and nutritional value. Families can pick up meals from NVFB's free client-choice grocery store, while moms referred through the Postpartum Resource Group receive them directly or through their volunteer meal train system.

Beyond Just Meals

What makes Meals for Moms unique is its dual focus on immediate nourishment and long-term empowerment. The meals use whole foods tailored to the postpartum period's unique nutritional demands, emphasizing fresh produce essential for recovery. Their cooking classes and workshops include the broader family, teaching how to cook nutrient-dense meals at home, even with limited time or resources, serving as both emergency food access and preventative care.

Real Impact, Real Stories

"One mom shared that NVFB had become her family's primary source of food during the early months of parenting and beyond the meals, what stood out to her was the dignity and emotional support she received," says Albert. After Rachael introduced the program at a doulas' meeting, they saw an increase in moms coming not just for meals, but for groceries as well, showing the program reduces stigma and builds trust.

Join the Movement

People can follow NVFB and the Postpartum Resource Group on social media, donate to support the program or volunteer in their kitchen. Looking ahead, they're excited to expand meal production, deepen partnerships with healthcare providers, and increase educational offerings that reflect the real needs of new moms.

At the Women's Foundation of Montana, we're proud to support innovative solutions that transform critical moments in families' lives through fresh, nutritious care.

Why It Matters: A WFM Perspective

As prices rise and families struggle to afford essentials, proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP would especially harm new moms—many of whom are already facing food insecurity, health challenges, and little time to recover after birth. Nearly one in three families with children under six can’t afford basic needs like diapers, food, or housing. Without support, new mothers are left to navigate this vulnerable time alone.

That’s what makes community efforts like Meals for Moms so vital—they offer nourishment, dignity, and care when systems fall short. We celebrate these innovative local solutions, and at the same time, we continue working to strengthen the systems meant to support families and defend funding for the safety net programs they rely on.