Food banks in Bigfork and Lakeside are expecting to see more people than usual in November as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are put on hold due to the federal government shutdown.

Board president with the West Shore Food Bank Julia Sunde watched a line form outside of the pantry on Monday, about 30 minutes ahead of opening the doors for their weekly distribution. She said this is already earlier than most people show up, but given the news that SNAP may expire, they are anticipating needing to feed more people. 

“We are poised to handle more volume, we have inventory to do. I don't know what that volume is going to be. What I'm expecting today is greater food insecurity — I think people are going to want to take more, fill their bags better, and we're going to let them do that so that we can take care of everybody,” Sunde said.   

Due to the ongoing government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture alerted states to stop the issuance of SNAP benefits for the month of November until further notice, according to the Montana Department for Public Health and Human Services.  

More than a dozen states sued the Trump administration on Tuesday, seeking to maintain funding for SNAP benefits. The program helps nearly 42 million Americans with food assistance each month. 

In Montana, nearly 80,000 people use SNAP. Bigfork Food Bank Executive Director Jamie Quinn said that breaks down to around 4,500 households between Flathead and Lincoln counties.  

Quinn said many people have reached out to the food bank this week to ask how they can help in preparation. She said she feels fortunate to have the Bigfork community behind them as they head into these uncertain times.  

“Rebekah from the Chamber and called me and has had businesses reach out to her and asked what to do. So I'm really, really glad that we've got such a caring community, but I'm really worried about the people that are going to be impacted,” Quinn said.  

It’s unfortunate timing heading into the holiday season. Even if there is a delay in sending out benefits rather than a full-stop for the entire month, that will still impact how people buy their groceries, Quinn said.  

Though neither pantry could predict the number of new people they anticipate seeing next month, Quinn said she believes the ripple effects of no benefits will hit people the hardest toward the end of the month.  

"Some might not feel it on week one or two, but once we're starting to hit that week three or week four — when Thanksgiving is — I  think that's where we're going to see a larger amount of people, but it’s hard to predict at this point,” Quinn said.  

For holiday distribution, the Bigfork Food Bank typically meets with regular patrons by appointment, where they fill out a shopping list. Quinn said they typically serve between 100-115 households during Thanksgiving and Christmas.  

She expressed disappointment that government officials are not taking typical steps to intervene. When the government shut down in 2018 and 2019, the federal government administered SNAP benefits early.

“They have the capacity to do these things and they've done it before. There's just no appetite for it [right now,]” Quinn said.  

She said the Bigfork Food Bank has lifted all pantry limits for November, something they planned to do regardless at the start of 2026. Previously, patrons could have three visits a month, unless they expressed needing extra food — Quinn added that they never turn people away.  

Anyone looking to help can drop shelf stable foods in the blue bin outside the door at the food bank, which is checked daily. There is also a drop-off location at Harvest Foods, Quinn said.  

"If any businesses or anybody's interested in having a bin or hosting a drive, we're happy to help support that and do pick up, or whatever we need. But it's going to really come down to financial and food donations, that’s what’s going to get us through this,” Quinn said.  

Sunde at the West Shore Food Bank echoed similar needs. She said they are always looking for shelf stable items like peanut butter, oats, flour, sugar, oil and cerea. Though they have a lot of mashed potatoes, she added that “anyone bringing any staples they could think of would not be overstepping.”  

Dollar donations are also welcome, as the funds allow the pantry to purchase what they need at any given moment.  

Looking toward a building queue outside the pantry, Sunde took a deep breath and anticipated the work ahead.  

“It looks like it's going to be a busy night, but we're ready,” Sunde said.  

The West Shore Food Bank distributes once a week, alternating between Mondays and Tuesdays. Pickup on Mondays runs from around 4 to 6 p.m. and on Tuesdays between 9 to 11 a.m. A full calendar can be found at westshorefoodbank.com.

The Bigfork Food Bank has distribution every Tuesday, except during the weeks of Thanksgiving and Christmas. During the first and third Tuesdays of the month the pantry is open from 4 to 6 p.m., and on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month the pantry is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In the occasion a month has a fifth Tuesday, they are open from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. A full calendar can be found at bigforkfoodbank.org/.  

Taylor Inman may be reached at 758-4440 or [email protected].