With the government shutdown, benefits for SNAP recipients have been halted for November, and many federal employees have been furloughed, making it difficult to meet monthly expenses. Both of these actions have increased the need for food support in our community.
- If you need food support, we are here to help. The resources below offer details about shopping at HFS and the status of SNAP benefits.
- If you want to help, check out the many ways you can support your neighbors right now.
If You Need Food Support
Anyone Can Shop at Helena Food Share
Whether you no longer have SNAP benefits, have been furloughed, or just need extra food support, anyone can shop in our Grocery Share Market. Every person who visits Helena Food Share will be treated with dignity and respect. Everyone is welcome; there are no income requirements, and getting help is easy and safe.
Learn How to Use our Food Programs
Visit the Market up to once a week to shop for groceries. During a weekly shop, limits are set based on the availability of weekly items – produce, cooler items, frozen food, bread, sweets, and extras. One week each month will include a monthly shop, with limits based on your household size. During a Monthly shop, add extra items to your weekly shop – canned and boxed food, grains, frozen meat, and dairy. You’ll need to complete a short intake form on your first visit. Learn more here.
The Market is open on the following days:
Monday 12:30-6:30
Tuesday 12:30-3:30
Wednesday 12:30-3:30
Thursday12:30-6:30
Friday 12:30-3:30
Holiday Meal Share: Additional food for Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday meals will be provided on November 24 and December 22. Learn More here about how to sign up.
Q&A About SNAP & Gov’t Shutdown
Click here to download information about how the shutdown affects your SNAP benefits. This is provided through our partners at the Montana Food Bank Network
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
You can still apply for SNAP Benefits during the government shutdown. While you may be waiting longer to receive benefits, your application will still be
accepted and processed. If you are eligible for SNAP, once the government is reopened, you will receive benefits based on your application date.
Learn more here about how to apply. This information is provided through our partners at the Montana Food Bank Network
Ways to Help During the Gov’t Shutdown
Donate Funds
By donating funds, you help ensure Helena Food Share has enough food to meet the growing need during this time. It is also the most economical way to support food programs since we can purchase food in bulk, stretching your dollar further. Click here to donate online. You can also stop by our office at 1280 Boulder Ave or give us a call at 406-443-3663 to make a gift.
Donate Food
Donating food provides customers with a greater variety of items to choose from in the Market.
- Host a food drive at your place of business, church, or organization. Challenge your coworkers and friends to a fun competition. Find helpful resources here.
- Purchase food at a local store and drop it off at our donation door along Boulder Ave.
- Support our holiday food drives at local stores this month: Nov 1 at Safeway, Nov 8 at Super 1 Foods, and Nov 15 at Albertsons.
- Food Wish List: If you want to know what to buy, we’re currently in need of Flour, Sugar, Canned Meals, Canned Fruit, Peanut Butter, and Pasta Sauce. We’re also in need of sliced bread, condiments, and shelf-stable juice. Coffee, tea, crackers, chips, and fresh bread from our local bakeries are also very welcome. Please bring these or any food donations to the drive-up donation door along Boulder Ave.
Help Provide Holiday Meals
Turkey Challenge is just around the corner. Donate food or funds to ensure everyone in our community has a holiday meal on their table. Click here to learn more about all the fun ways you can be involved.
How to Advocate for Fully Funding Food Assistance
Click here to download information about how you can advocate for your neighbors in need. This is provided through our partners at the Montana Food Bank Network
Contact us if you have more questions: [email protected] | 406-443-3663
