FOOD INSECURITY DURING FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
- Laura Parvey-Connors
- Oct 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 24
National media outlets began sounding the alarm today that millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could be left scrambling to find food in November if the government shutdown continues.
The YWCA Helena has been serving the Helena community since 1912. We stand as a test of time, adapting and growing our programs to offer shelter and rehabilitation services for substance addicted, justice-involved, homeless women and their children.
Interim Executive Director Denise King shared her concerns regarding loss of access to food assistance for residents who call the YWCA Helena home.
“We help people become self-sufficient by connecting them to supportive programs, but what happens when those programs come to a halt?” she said.
GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN MAY HALT SNAP BENEFITS
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) who oversees SNAP stated there will not be enough funding to pay all benefits for November if the shutdown continues. This means forty-two million Americans across the nation who rely on SNAP, may not receive full benefits or, in some cases, no benefits.
For Montanans the loss of benefits will affect 77,000 people, or about 7% of our state’s population, including the women and children who call the YWCA Helena home. For a family of three this means an approximate loss of $725 in monthly groceries typically spent on the local level. Combine this loss of benefit with greater demands on the more recently underfunded food banks, and we have a recipe for disaster.
FOOD INSECURITY
Trauma surrounding food scarcity is deep-seated in several of the women and children we serve. Food insecurity is addressed by creating environments where individuals have access to produce, meat, dairy and other household food staples without disruption.
The most valuable of these resources is SNAP, which is processed monthly via an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) and loaded onto the recipient’s card. The SNAP benefit is then spent at the local grocer by swiping the card for payment.
According to USA Today, “the USDA sent a letter to state agencies on October 10, directing states to hold off on sending files to EBT vendors, ‘until further notice.’ This pause is predicted to cause delays in November’s benefits.”
ECONOMIC IMPACT IN MONTANA
Halting benefits doesn’t just affect the SNAP recipient it has a larger economic ripple effect. According to the Food Research and Action Center, 813 retailers in Montana redeemed a total of $182.5 million in SNAP benefits in 2023.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, shared in 2024, that one in every 14 people in Montana relies on SNAP. More than 63% are families with children; 38% are families with older adults or disabled; and more than 43% are working families. This is on par with the national statistics of SNAP participants.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that in a weak economy, $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 in economic activity.
NO PERSON SHOULD GO HUNGRY
Please lend your voice by contacting our federal officials and demand they use discretionary funding to keep SNAP benefits in tact during the shutdown.
Template for advocating for SNAP BENEFITS to be FUNDED
Items in [brackets] are for you to select which applies to you.
You may select more than one if applicable.
You are advocating as an individual.
Do not reference working for or residing at the YWCA Helena.
Body of letter or email
I am writing to you today as a [concerned citizen], [SNAP recipient], [Montana voter] advocating for [myself], [community members] who stand to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in November due to the Federal Government Shutdown.
As a Montana resident, I am counting on you to ensure 77,000 people across our state who need access to necessary groceries can continue to feed themselves and their family.
You have the power and resources to use discretionary money to keep this program funded, so no one goes hungry in Montana. It’s time to do the right thing for the most vulnerable people in our community.
There are no excuses for letting women, elderly, children, and disabled people go without proper nourishment.
Phone call
As a resident in Montana, I am appalled to hear SNAP benefits may be on pause for 77,000 people across our great state due to the Federal Government Shutdown.
I’m counting on you to keep this program fully funded, so no one goes hungry in Montana. It’s time to do the right thing for Montanans who need your help most.
You have the power and the resources to use discretionary funding.
There are no excuses for letting women, elderly, children, and disabled people go without proper nourishment.
CONTACT information
Rep. Troy Downing
DC Office: 202.225.3211
Helena Office: 406.502.1435
https://downing.house.gov/contact
Rep. Ryan Zinke
DC Office: 202.225.5628
Bozeman Office: 406.602.6030
https://zinke.house.gov/contact
Sen. Steve Daines
DC Office: 202.224.2651
Helena Office: 406.443.3189
https://www.daines.senate.gov/contact/
Sen. Tim Sheehy
DC Office: 202.224.2644
Helena Office: 406-441-1069
You can help by giving grocery store gift cards or a monetary donation.
Gift cards can be dropped off at the YWCA Helena located at 501 N Park Ave, Monday-Friday from 9-4.
Any and all denominations are appreciated during this difficult time.
If you would like to help bridge the funding gap of the monthly cost for groceries, please consider a monetary donation.
Please do not bring food donations. At this time, we ask you to send food donations to Helena Food Share.