Request for State Action to Maintain SNAP Benefits During Federal Shutdown

October 27, 2025

Governor Greg Gianforte

State Capitol, Room 204 

PO Box 200801 

Helena, MT 59620-0801

Governor Gianforte:

On behalf of Montana Food Bank Network, the undersigned organizations, and the thousands of Montanans we serve, we write to urge immediate action to use funds within the Debt and Liability Free Account or other available funds to ensure that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits remain available to Montana families during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

As you know, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has directed states to halt November SNAP issuances until federal funding is restored. While USDA holds nearly $6 billion in contingency funds that could go toward partial payment of November benefits, the federal agency has failed to take action to use these funds as of now. Without swift intervention, more than 77,000 Montanans, including 48,500 children, will lose critical food support overnight.

We recognize that SNAP is federally funded; however, the state has both the authority and the means to act now to prevent a catastrophic lapse in benefits. Other states have already stepped up to ensure families do not go hungry. The 2025 Legislature amended the DLFA to add additional uses of the funds, including “to replace federal funds that have been reduced or rescinded by the federal government.” We urge your administration to use available state resources—such as the DLFA or other available funds—to continue issuing benefits until federal operations resume.

SNAP is the single most effective tool we have to fight hunger, especially for young children. Every dollar in SNAP benefits generates economic activity across Montana—supporting local grocers, farmers, and food producers. A disruption in SNAP benefits would have a devastating impact not only on Montana families, but also on retailers and producers across the state—putting at risk more than $14 million that directly supports our local economies. If benefits are halted, families will be forced to rely on food banks and pantries that are already stretched to capacity. While charitable food programs provide a critical safety net, they cannot replace SNAP.

We ask you to take immediate steps to protect Montana families and prevent hunger during this shutdown. Ensuring uninterrupted SNAP benefits is not only a matter of compassion—it is a matter of economic stability, public health, and responsible governance.

Thank you for your leadership and for your continued commitment to the people of Montana. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss potential solutions with your office at your earliest convenience.

With respect and urgency,

Kiera Condon

Montana Food Bank Network

kcondon@mfbn.org 

Allies in Aging 

Anaconda Project Care Food Bank

ASPEN - Abuse Support & Prevention Education Network

Beaverhead Community Food Pantry

Billings St. Vincent de Paul

Butte Emergency Food Bank

Catalyst Montana

Chippewa Cree Tribe

City Foods Missoula

Community Food Bank of Mineral County 

Custer County Community Table, dba Miles City Soup Kitchen

Darby Bread Box

Day Eagle Hope Project

Family Service, Billings 

FAST Blackfeet

Flathead Food Bank

Great Falls St Vincent de Paul Food Pantry

Greater Gallatin United Way

Grow Montana Food Policy Coalition

Haven House Food Bank

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies - The Montana Coalition

Helena Food Share, serving the greater Helena region

Helping Hands in Hardin Food Bank

Hot Springs Food Pantry 

Libby Food Pantry

Livingston Food Resource Center

Missoula Food Bank & Community Center 

Missoula Resists

Montana Budget & Policy Center 

Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

Montana Community Action Network

Montana Farmers Union

Montana Federation of Public Employees

Montana Food Bank Network

Montana Head Start Association

Montana Nonprofit Association

North Valley Food Bank 

Northern Cheyenne Tribe

Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council

Ronan Bread Basket  

Sanders County Coalition For Families

School Administrators of Montana

Soft Landing Missoula 

St Labre Food Pantry

United Way of Butte and Anaconda

United Way of the Lewis and Clark Area

United Way of Missoula County

United Way of Yellowstone County

Western Native Voice 

Women’s Resource Center

Yaak Family Cupboard

YWCA Helena

YWCA Missoula

Zero to Five Montana