Montanans reliant on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have finally received their full benefits as of Saturday, the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) confirmed Monday. Approximately 77,000 residents qualify for this vital food assistance. The average Montana household receives $332 monthly from SNAP. However, this month, families experienced delays in receiving their benefits.
Western Native Voice, a Montana nonprofit, highlighted that SNAP benefits were used as leverage during the recent federal shutdown. The U.S. Department of Agriculture previously instructed states to withhold SNAP payments, causing unease among Montana families and food banks bracing for increased demand.
In Montana, about 63% of SNAP recipients are families with children, as reported by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The suspension of payments prompted Butte-Silver Bow City-County to announce a local emergency, leading to a resolution to allocate $183,974 for addressing food insecurity.
Following the federal shutdown’s resolution, the USDA mandated the distribution of full SNAP benefits. The legislation ending the shutdown funds the government until January 30, while SNAP benefits remain secured until September 2026, according to National Public Radio. The USDA advised states to prepare for potential future shutdowns by enhancing systems for partial payments, as reported by States Newsroom’s Washington, D.C., bureau.
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