FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LFRC Closes Community Bakery Retail Operations to Meet Rising Food Security Needs
Livingston, MT – The Livingston Community Bakery, a program of the Livingston Food Resource Center (LFRC), has closed its retail operations as of November 1, 2024 to focus on the organization’s core food access initiatives. The bakery space will remain dedicated to producing nutritious kamut bread for the LFRC food pantry and other pantries across Montana.
“Our primary mission has always been to meet the community’s nutritional needs,” said Executive Director, Kaya Patten-Fusselman. “We’ve seen a 124% increase in the use of our services since 2021. We have a fiscal responsibility to our clients and donors to prioritize addressing the most essential needs of our community first.”
This transition, while difficult, also strengthens the LFRC’s ability to support the local economy. The bakery space will be available for local entrepreneurs to rent for their small businesses. "By investing in local business growth, we’re fostering economic resilience and empowering individuals to contribute to the community’s economy,” added Patten-Fusselman.
The Livingston Community Bakery has been a beloved part of the local food landscape, known for its commitment to fresh, delicious baked goods. Although retail operations are ending, the original vision of baking preservative free, nutritious bread using Montana and Indigenous grown flours will continue.
LFRC extends its deepest gratitude to the volunteers and staff whose dedication has been essential to the bakery’s positive impact in the community.
For more information, please contact:
Kaya Patten-Fusselman
Executive Director
Communications@livingstonfrc.org
406-222-5335
