SNAP benefits are now being funded
- If you need food support, we are here to help. The resources below offer details about shopping at HFS and how to sign up for 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
If you have SNAP benefits or not and need extra food support, you are welcome to 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 more here.
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, deli 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 a few days prior to the holiday.
Q&A About SNAP & Gov’t Shutdown
- SNAP Benefits are funded through September 2026.
- If you are signed up to receive SNAP benefits, you should be receiving them.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your benefits, learn more here, or call the Montana Dept of Health & Human Services at (406) 444-1788
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
Learn more here about how to apply. This information is provided through our partners at the Montana Food Bank Network. You can also contact MT-DPHHS here.
Ways to Help our Neighbors
Donate Funds
By donating funds, you help ensure Helena Food Share has enough food to meet the growing need. 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. Need ideas? Check out our current wish list.
- Support our food drives at local stores this spring.
Support Filling Empty Bowls
Our spring fundraising event, Empty Bowls, is a fun and easy way to support our food programs. Your ticket includes your choice of ceramic bowls made by The Clay Arts Guild or The Archie Bray Foundation, along with soups, bread, and desserts donated by local restaurants and bakeries. More information and tickets will be available in March.
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
