Thousands of Montanans could lose food assistance benefits

If the federal government shutdown continues, thousands of Montanans could lose their food assistance benefits as soon as next week. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has notified states that it does not have enough funding to pay full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November. States have been asked to hold off on submitting November payment files until further notice. If funding is not restored soon, SNAP could run out of money by Oct. 31. 

SNAP helps more than 77,000 Montanans, including 48,500 children, afford groceries each month. In the Flathead and Lincoln County region alone, 4,486 households (nearly 9,000 people) relied on SNAP benefits in September. The average benefit in our state is just under $200 per person. While modest, that amount makes a significant difference for families already stretched thin by high housing, transportation, and food costs. In addition, SNAP benefits inject more than $1.3 million into our local economy each month, supporting families, grocers and farmers. 

At North Valley Food Bank (NVFB), about 24% of our customers already rely on SNAP. The remaining 76% either do not qualify or struggle to navigate the complex application process. If SNAP benefits are delayed or reduced in November, that gap will widen dramatically. Based on current data, we anticipate up to a 200% increase in pantry visits within weeks. We are preparing as best we can, but the scale of potential need is staggering. 

SNAP is not the only program impacted by the shutdown. While WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) is expected to continue through at least November 30 in Montana, the program is also at risk as the state awaits further federal guidance. 

As if this uncertainty weren’t enough, new federal work requirements for SNAP, expanding mandatory work hours for adults aged 18–64, including parents of teens 14 and older, are scheduled to take effect on Nov. 1. These changes come at a time when families are already struggling with the rising costs of food, fuel and housing. Under the new rules, a father of a 15-year-old could lose benefits because his seasonal construction work doesn’t provide 80 hours every month. Many of our neighbors are doing their best in an economy that’s increasingly difficult to navigate. Now they face additional red tape, and many will go without healthy food to afford rent, gas, and heating. 

Food pantries across Montana, including NVFB, are already serving record numbers of families. Last month, we served 2,222 unique neighbors, the highest number in our history. We cannot replace millions of dollars in lost federal benefits. If the shutdown continues and new restrictions take effect, local food banks will face even higher demand with limited resources. 

That is why we, along with partners statewide, have joined the Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) in urging Governor Greg Gianforte to use available state funds to prevent this crisis. Under recent legislative changes, the state can tap the Debt and Liability Free Account (DLFA) to “replace federal funds that have been reduced or rescinded.” Other states have already acted to ensure families do not go hungry. Montana must do the same. 

At North Valley Food Bank, we will continue to prepare and serve our community, knowing that more of our neighbors may need help if benefits are delayed or reduced. But emergency food programs alone cannot fill this gap. A government shutdown has real consequences for working families, seniors, veterans, and children. 

We call on Congress to act swiftly to end the shutdown and restore federal funding for nutrition programs and on the Governor to act decisively to protect Montana families in the meantime. 

If you have questions about how the shutdown or new work requirements might affect your household, please reach out.  

We are hosting two community workshops to provide guidance and resources: Advocacy 101 on Thursday, November 6, 4:15–5:15 p.m. at North Valley Food Bank; and SNAP Application Support Workshop on Monday, Dec. 1, 3 – 5:30 p.m. at the Whitefish Community Library. 

Everyone is welcome. 

Sophie Albert is the executive director of North Valley Food Bank.