Washington, D.C.’s Tom Nelson announced Friday that Montana is one of 18 states partnering with his national non-profit, “Share Our Strength.” Nelson states that 48,000 Montana children lack adequate nutrition. According to Nelson, “It is our responsibility to make government work better for our children.”

His concern is that the confusing array of federal, state and local programs are underutilized, and many eligible families are unaware or “too embarrassed” to seek help. His solution is to grant Montana $145,000 to create a new, ambitious outreach program to boost participation in federal SNAP, WIC and after-school meal programs. Our governor has signed on to this program called “Montana No Kid Hungry.”

The program aims to teach families to buy and cook more nourishing foods on a tight budget, and refers to fruit and vegetable vouchers. Shouldn’t our established Montana DPHHS prioritize those worthy messages?

Might the “embarrassed” families actually prefer living without government assistance? Should Montana programmatically entice these folks to become dependent on government aid?

And what happens when that grant runs out? Does Montana add a staff grant writer to sustain funding?

The real problem with SNAP shouldn’t be how much ice cream did one family buy, but how to serve those truly in need without creating a larger bureaucracy.

Our local food pantry displays a directory of the assistance that’s available to those in need. It stocks fruits and vegetables, and offers nutritious cooking classes. Like all pantries, it is challenged to stay supplied. But local support is strong. KERR Radio, postal workers, Safeway, Super 1 Foods, Glacier Bank and many more local enterprises and individuals – too numerous to list here – contribute.

In our land of plenty, it’s tragic that any child goes to bed hungry. But rather than grow our dependence on federal aid, could that $145,000 be better spent on already established community programs? I suggest we ask our local food pantries or the Montana Food Bank Network. They are the true soldiers who “Share Our Strength.”

It’s my honor to serve as your Senator. I value your input. Contact me anytime at 883-4677 or carminemowbray@gmail.com.