- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Montana Food Bank Network Expands SNAP Assistance Program
The network is adding more staff to help residents navigate new eligibility and work reporting requirements.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:52pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Montana Food Bank Network is expanding its efforts to guide low-income residents through the complex process of applying for and maintaining SNAP food assistance benefits.Missoula TodayThe Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) is expanding its program to assist residents in applying for and maintaining their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The changes come as new eligibility rules take effect, including work reporting requirements for parents with children over 14 and those under 65. MFBN is adding more qualified staff to help Montanans navigate the complex 15-20 page application process and ensure they don't lose their critical food assistance.
Why it matters
SNAP is a vital program that helps nearly 80,000 Montanans afford food each year. The new eligibility changes could put many of these recipients at risk of losing their benefits if they don't properly report work information. MFBN's expanded assistance program aims to ensure vulnerable residents don't fall through the cracks and can continue accessing the nutrition support they need.
The details
Last year, MFBN's Application Assistor Program helped 622 Montanans submit SNAP applications. In 2026, the network is expanding the program to not only help with initial applications, but also guide recipients through the process afterwards as new eligibility rules take effect. Previously, parents with children under 18 were exempt from work reporting requirements, but that age limit has now been raised to 14. Additionally, the age cutoff for mandatory work reporting has been lowered from 55 to 65. MFBN wants to ensure all forms are filled out correctly so no one loses their critical food assistance.
- In 2025, nearly 80,000 Montanans utilized SNAP benefits.
- In 2026, MFBN is expanding its SNAP assistance program.
The players
Montana Food Bank Network
A statewide organization that provides food assistance and other support services to low-income Montanans.
Gayle Carlson
The executive director of the Montana Food Bank Network.
What they’re saying
“We're looking at expanding that to be able to help them not only fill out their application, but to navigate the process afterwards.”
— Gayle Carlson, Executive Director, Montana Food Bank Network
“They run anywhere between 15 and 20 pages long. So, they're very complicated, let alone all of the changes that are going on for individuals who are currently receiving assistance and may run the risk of losing it.”
— Gayle Carlson, Executive Director, Montana Food Bank Network
What’s next
MFBN plans to train more agencies and individuals across the state to provide on-the-ground assistance to SNAP applicants and recipients navigating the new eligibility and reporting requirements.
The takeaway
The Montana Food Bank Network's expanded SNAP assistance program is a critical effort to ensure vulnerable residents can continue accessing vital food aid amid changing eligibility rules. By providing hands-on help with complex applications and reporting, MFBN aims to prevent eligible Montanans from losing their SNAP benefits.
