SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and formerly the Food Stamp program) is a Federal nutrition program connecting neighbors with resources for food purchases. Community members with SNAP receive double SNAP at farmers markets, incentivizing supporting local growers and getting double the amount of produce into people’s kitchens!

QUICK FACTS:

1. To keep your SNAP benefits, you need to recertify every 6 months, which starts the day you submit your application. To recertify, create an account on “apply.mt.gov” and connect your case number. Use this step-by-step guide for assistance: SNAP_Application_Process_Timeline_June2026 (2). If you miss your recertification date, you will have to go through the application process again.
2. We encourage households to apply for SNAP as a way to keep healthy food on the table during temporary or longer term food insecurity.
3. People receive a debit card, and can use their monthly benefits at local grocery stores, farmers markets, the UC Market, and many other area businesses.
4. SNAP strengthens our community by keeping our neighbors nourished, and through spending federal dollars in our local economy.
5. The average SNAP benefit is $125 per person.
6. You can save SNAP benefits on your card for up to 12 months.

SNAP open hours in the store guarantee shoppers an opportunity to connect with an expert

Monday: 10-3 pm             

Tuesday: 10-12pm & 2-4pm

Wednesday: 10-1 pm (The second Wednesday of the month, our hours are 11-2 at the Missoula Public Library.)

Thursday: 10-5pm

Friday: 10-12pm

Have more questions or need assistance applying? Take a look at our SNAP FAQ’s or reach out to Program Application Specialist, Tori Hausman at torih@missoulafoodbank.org or (406) 541-0772.

Ready to apply online? SNAP ONLINE APPLICATION

Take a look at our SNAP - Document Checklist to make sure you have everything you need to apply!

Wondering about recent changes that have been made in SNAP, here's what we know! SNAP&MedicaidChangesOnePager

Now that federal waivers have expired, families with students must go back to filling out Free & Reduced School meals forms in order to access school meals. But MFB&CC is here to help! We've been at open houses, block parties, &, of course, our Store to make sure folks know a few extra steps are needed to make sure your students can get accessible school meals!

Apply today!

FREE & REDUCED SCHOOL MEALS FORM

This seasonal program is aimed specifically at providing financial assistance for home heating costs. Residents of Montana with incomes 60% under the State Median Income qualify for this assistance.

The State of Montana, through the Department of Public Health and Human Services, offers three programs aimed at helping eligible Montanans.

• The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) pays part of winter energy bills and may be able to assist with furnace emergencies for eligible people.
• The Low Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) helps pay a portion of eligible household's water bills; helps avoid shutoffs; and helps support household water system reconnections related to non-payment.
• The Weatherization Assistance Program helps participants to improve the heating efficiency of their homes and thus reduce their energy consumption.

To apply for assistance, Montanans can submit a LIHEAP, LIHWAP, and Weatherization Application. The application can be completed online but must be printed and delivered or mailed to the local eligibility office listed on the last page of the application. 

LIHEAP and LIHWAP can be applied for during the heating season, which is October 1st through April 30th of each year, by contacting the local eligibility office or Tribal LIHEAP office serving your community.

LIHEAP Frequently Asked Questions!

Have more questions or need assistance applying? Reach out to Program Application Specialist, Tori Hausman at torih@missoulafoodbank.org or (406) 541-0772.

Find Out More

Montana Medicaid expansion through the HELP Act provides health care coverage to adults aged 19-64 with incomes up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). To qualify, you must be a Montana resident.

For a comprehensive guide on Montana Medicaid 2026, please visit 2026 Montana Medicaid Member Guide. 

For more questions, application assistance, and community engagement requirement assistance, please contact Program Application Specialist, Tori Hausman at torih@missoulafoodbank.org or (406) 541-0772.

Medicaid FAQ’s: SNAP&MedicaidChangesOnePager.docx & Medicaid Frequently Asked Questions

TANF stands for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. It is a federal assistance program that provides cash assistance and support services to low-income families with children. This cash assistance is available for up to 60 months in a person’s lifetime. TANF was created by the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which replaced the older Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. The shift added work requirements, time limits, and state-administered flexibility to the TANF program. This means that any family on TANF would have to meet certain activity requirements. For families that qualify, they will work with Maximus, a Montana Employment and Training Services organization, to help them fulfill TANF requirements.

For more information about TANF, the application process, activity requirements, and more, please see TANF Frequently Asked Questions or reach out to Program Application Specialist, Tori Hausman at torih@missoulafoodbank.org or (406) 541-0772.

Missoula Food Bank & Community Center offers Voter Registration applications for anyone interested. We can fill it out with you and turn it in to Missoula Votes at 1401 N Russell St., Missoula, MT, 59801, or give you an application to fill out on your own.