SNAP benefits are currently funded. New food restrictions and work requirements will be implemented in fall 2026. See details in the SNAP Q&A below.
- If you need food support, we are here to help. The resources below in the green and gold drop-downs, 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, below in the purple and red drop-downs. With additional requirements for SNAP recipients, SNAP may not be an option for some of our neighbors, making the need for food support through Helena Food Share even greater. Your support ensures we can continue to provide nutritious food for our neighbors facing food insecurity.
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
How will Montana’s restrictions to SNAP affect SNAP benefits?
- Montana SNAP Purchase Restrictions Begin September 30, 2026, restricting what can be purchased with SNAP as part of a statewide demonstration project approved by USDA.
- Under the waiver, SNAP benefits can no longer be used to purchase: Candy, High-sugar beverages, Energy drinks, Shelf-stable prepared desserts
- The waiver applies to all SNAP households and SNAP-authorized retailers in Montana, including retailers that accept SNAP online. It does not change who qualifies for SNAP or the amount of benefits households receive.
- For an overview of SNAP benefits and requirements, click here, or call the Montana Dept of Health & Human Services at (406) 444-1788
What are the work requirements for recieving SNAP benefits?
- Work Requirements: Able-bodied household members who are age 16 through 59 must register for work, and may be required to participate in a SNAP Employment and Training Program unless a specified exemption is met.
- For an overview of SNAP benefits and requirements, click here, or call the Montana Dept of Health & Human Services at (406) 444-1788
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
Options for applying for SNAP
- Apply online at apply.mt.gov;
- Or, call 888-706-1535, navigate to “Food or Cash Assistance,” and choose “Application Interview”;
- Or, pick up a paper application in Helena at the Office of Public Assistance- Helena111 N. Sanders Avenue Room 109
- You can contact MT-DPHHS here for additional SNAP benefit information.
This information is provided through our partners at the Montana Food Bank Network. Learn more here about how to apply for SNAP in Montana.
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, Stamp Out Hunger on May 9th and at the Symphony Under the Stars concert on July 18 at Carroll College.
Support Fundraising Events
Showing your support of Helena Food Share during Greater Helena Gives on May 7th and 8th will help provide essential nutrition for our neighbors in the greater Helena area.
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
