Montana Superintendent Juneau Donates Pay Raise to Montana Food Bank Network

Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau will make a donation to the Montana Food Bank Network in coordination with the annual State Employees’ Charitable Giving Campaign (SECGC), which kicked off Monday, September 28.

"Too many children in Montana go to bed hungry at night in today’s struggling economy. Children and families all over our state are in need of food, and I am pleased to donate my pay increase to the Montana Food Bank Network," Juneau said.

Juneau’s plan for donation began in January when she, along with State Auditor Monica Lindeen and Attorney General Steve Bullock, announced they would donate the pay raises they are scheduled to receive under Montana statute to charity. The salaries of statewide elected officials are tied to the salaries of their counterparts in neighboring states under Montana law. Juneau’s gift translates to enough food for 42,888 meals.

"We’re so grateful for the sacrifice Superintendent Juneau is making in forsaking her raise," said Peggy Grimes, Executive Director of the Montana Food Bank Network.† "She is an encouragement for others to step†up and help either by volunteering or donating food or funds for those who desperately need our help."

According to new census data, the poverty rate in Montana has risen to 14.8%. This means that 45,058 Montana children are living in poverty. Grimes said the Montana Food Bank Network has seen a 23% increase in the number of first time clients accessing emergency food in 2009.

State employees have donated a total of $4,500,000 to various Montana non-profit organizations over the last 18 years. SECGC is one way state employees can support a variety of charitable activities. The average gift in 2008 was $212.00 and 17.2% of state employees donated.† "I urge all state employees to continue their generosity and to participate in making this year the best giving year ever," Juneau said.