Staff

As Kim describes it, she grew up in “The land of plenty (East Helena), where the bounty of Montana has nourished me with food, family and friends.” Kim appreciates spending time outside in Montana’s stunning flora and fauna. The breweries in Montana also have a special place in her heart. The smiles, laughter, tears and joy that make up a day at Helena Food Share are what make Kim love her job so much. Kim has a sweet tooth for her mother’s Swedish toffee cookies.

Kara hails from “the great state of Oregon,” as she refers to her home state. When she’s not working at Helena Food Share, Kara enjoys biking, camping and basically “doin’ stuff outside.” Sometimes she reads a book (or more if she’s on vacation). Beware! Kara is a martial artist with a yellow belt in karate. Kara also loves hanging out with her massive Newfoundland dog Goose.

Rachael is a Montana Native and made Helena her home two years ago. She loves camping by mountain lakes, having early morning coffee with her man, and thumb-wrestling with their two crazy-awesome young sons. Her first week at Helena Food Share Rachael was absolutely astonished at the incredible generosity of the Helena Community, and remembers thinking, “Wow, now this is a community I want my kids to be a part of!”

Dave is a Montana boy, originally from Twin Bridges. Dave is wise enough to know that his favorite food comes from his wife’s kitchen; Mary Anderson’s coconut lemon cake. When Dave isn’t busy driving the Helena Food Share truck, he spends his time toiling in his raised bed gardens, scrapbooking and building stage sets. Dave especially loves hearing people’s stories as they come to Helena Food Share. He doesn’t mind his co-workers too much either.

Heidi is from the Chicago area, but has called Helena home for nearly twenty years and doesn't miss a day hiking on "her" South Hills trails with her two mutts. Heidi comes from a food family - her husband is a chef, one of her boys is always cooking something for her to clean up and her mother makes everything from scratch including bread, yogurt and soap (but, don't eat the soap!). Heidi loves to see the community come together with donations, volunteers and love each day to create a grocery store from scratch, providing such an essential need.

Daneal hails from the small hamlet of Fairfield, Montana (the malt barley capital of the world). Daneal says her favorite meal from childhood includes anything with a side of artichoke. She also loves cheese and pickle sandwiches, specifically, sharp cheddar cheese, dill pickles and white bread. When she’s not at Helena Food Share, Daneal loves to go camping and fishing with her two adorable sons, her husband and friends. Daneal appreciates working at Helena Food Share because she likes the commitment to valuing each person who walks through the doors.

Jami grew up in the south, where her earliest memories are food related. She has several iron skillets and still drinks tea out of mason jars. On the weekend she can be found snuggling with her husband and lab in their tiny vintage camper. She is obsessed with cookbooks and enjoys filling the recipe board with season recipes that use ingredients from the pantry. She is the happiest when sharing meals with her family (especially around campfires).

Steve says he is from both Bozeman and Billings. His favorite go to snack is dessert. If he had to rank his hobbies, his children would earn the #1 spot followed by travel and sports. When asked what he loves most about Helena Food Share, Steve’s answer is simple: “People. Staff, volunteers, customers.”