Sikorski & Sons farm in Baker, Montana is on a mission: deliver as many lentils to people in need as possible.
“So we have an excess, and we will sell them all but we may as well help people out,” said Jerry Sikorski.
Food security has become a concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Sikorskis knew they had something to offer.
“Lentils are so wonderful. High protein, you know some really good carbs, good energy food,” said Kathy Sikorksi.
The journey started in Bozeman. Earlier this week, the Sikorski’s flew in from Baker with 450 pounds on board.
To put that into perspective, one pound of lentils is equivalent to 8 servings of food.
“I don’t like to see people go hungry. I come from a large family and my dad always gave potatoes to everybody that was hungry, you know. We don’t have potatoes so we’re gonna give lentils,” said Kathy Sikorski.
From the airport, the Lentil Table in Bozeman started distributing the lentils. 150 pounds went to the Livingston Pantry, 150 pounds to the Fork and Spoon in Bozeman, and 150 pounds will go to White Sulphur Springs, where the Red Ants Foundation will start donating them across the community.
The next stop is Billings.
Seven hundred and fifty pounds will go to Spread the Word 406, the Food Bank, the Salvation Army, as well as to Hardin and the Crow Reservation.
“People that responded said that’s so awesome. And what you’re doing is so great, and it makes you feel good. It makes you feel really good,” said Sikorski.
The Sikorskis are also donating lentils to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, and will be stopping in San Bernardino, California as well.