Beyond SNAP: Essential Community Resources for Montana Families

Hello Montana neighbors! While SNAP benefits provide crucial food assistance, many families may need additional support. This comprehensive guide connects Montana residents with community resources that can complement SNAP benefits, and help create a stronger safety net for you and your family.

Emergency Food Assistance

When SNAP benefits run low before the month ends, these resources can help bridge the gap:

Montana Food Bank Network

• Coverage: Statewide network of 150+ partner agencies
• What they offer: Emergency food boxes, no questions asked
• How to find the nearest location: Call 406-721-3825 or use the Forage app's integrated food pantry locator
• Special note: Many locations offer evening and weekend hours for working families!

Tribal Food Distribution Programs

• Coverage: All seven Montana reservations and surrounding communities
• What they offer: Supplemental food packages, with focus on traditional and culturally appropriate foods
• Eligibility: Native American households and other income-eligible residents living on or near reservations
• How to apply: Through tribal offices or visit Montana FDPIR locations

Backpack Programs

• What they offer: Weekend food supplies for school-age children
• How to access: Available through most Montana public schools; ask your child's teacher or school counselor
• Special feature: Discreet distribution to protect children's privacy

Utility and Housing Assistance

Montana LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program)

• What it covers: Heating bills from October through April
• Average benefit: $550 per household
• Application periods: October 1 through April 30
• Where to apply: Your local Human Resource Development Council (HRDC)
• Special note for 2025: Additional funding available due to increased federal allocation

Montana Emergency Rental Assistance

• What it covers: Up to 15 months of rent and utility costs
• Eligibility: Income-qualified households experiencing housing instability
• How to apply: Through Montana Housing's online portal or at local HRDC offices
• Documentation needed: Income verification, rental agreement, past-due notices

Weatherization Assistance

• What they offer: Free home energy efficiency improvements
• Average savings: $350 annually on utility bills
• Eligibility: Priority given to seniors, families with children, and persons with disabilities
• Services include: Insulation, furnace repair/replacement, air sealing
• How to apply: Through your local HRDC or Human Resource Council

Healthcare Resources

Montana Medicaid Expansion

• Coverage: Comprehensive healthcare for income-eligible Montanans
• Special note: Many SNAP recipients automatically qualify
• How to check eligibility: Apply through the Montana Healthcare Programs Portal
• Recent update: Simplified renewal process implemented in January 2025

Healthy Montana Kids (HMK)

• Coverage: Free or low-cost health insurance for children
• Services include: Check-ups, vaccinations, dental care, vision services
• Income limits: More generous than SNAP requirements (up to 261% of federal poverty level)
• How to apply: Online through the Montana Access portal

Community Health Centers

• What they offer: Sliding-scale medical, dental, and behavioral health services
• Coverage: 25 centers with over 80 delivery sites across Montana
• Special feature: Many offer on-site assistance for SNAP and Medicaid applications
• To find the nearest center: Use the Forage app's healthcare locator feature

Child and Family Supports

Montana Head Start and Early Head Start

• What they offer: Free early childhood education and family support services
• Age ranges: Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3), Head Start (ages 3-5)
• Additional services: Health screenings, nutrition education, parenting support
• Locations: 22 programs serving communities across Montana
• How to apply: Contact your local program directly

Child Care Assistance

• What it covers: Subsidized child care costs for working families
• Co-payment: Based on income, family size, and number of children in care
• How to apply: Through the Early Childhood Services Bureau
• Recent change: Income limits increased in March 2025, making more families eligible

Montana WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

• What they provide: Nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods
• Who qualifies: Pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5
• WIC foods include: Fresh produce, whole grains, dairy, protein-rich foods
• How to apply: Schedule an appointment at your local WIC clinic
• New benefit: Increased fresh produce allocation of $35/month per participant

Employment and Education Resources

Montana Workforce Services

• What they offer: Job search assistance, resume building, interview preparation
• Special programs: Targeted training for in-demand industries
• Locations: Job Service offices in 23 Montana communities
• Online resources: Access virtual services through MontanaWorks.gov
• 2025 focus industries: Healthcare, construction, technology, and tourism

High School Equivalency Test Fee Waiver

• What it covers: Complete cost of HiSET testing ($50 fee plus $15 per subtest)
• Eligibility: SNAP recipients automatically qualify
• How to apply: Request fee waiver through your local adult education center
• Additional support: Free preparation classes available statewide

Montana University System Tuition Assistance

• What they offer: Reduced tuition rates and specialized support for SNAP recipients
• Participating institutions: All campuses within Montana University System
• SNAP E&T program: Education and training support while maintaining benefits
• Special feature: Some programs exempt students from SNAP work requirements

Senior-Specific Resources

Montana Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

• What they provide: Vouchers for fresh, locally grown produce
• Annual benefit: $50 in vouchers per eligible senior
• Where to use: Participating farmers markets and roadside stands
• How to apply: Through your local Area Agency on Aging

Montana Elderly Homeowner/Renter Tax Credit

• What it offers: Tax credit up to $1,150
• Eligibility: Montanans 62 or older with household income under $45,000
• How to claim: File Montana Form 2EC with your state tax return
• Non-refundable status: Can reduce tax liability to zero but won't generate a refund

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

• What they provide: Monthly food packages specifically designed for seniors
• Eligibility: Age 60+ and income below 130% of poverty level
• Contents include: Shelf-stable protein, fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy
• How to apply: Through local food banks or senior centers

Transportation Assistance

Rural and Tribal Transportation Programs

• Coverage: 40 Montana counties and all tribal communities
• Services: Scheduled routes and on-demand rides
• Cost: Free or reduced fares for SNAP recipients (show your EBT card)
• Special medical transportation: Available for healthcare appointments
• How to find services: Use the Forage app's transportation locator

Auto Repair Assistance Programs

• What they cover: Essential repairs for work-related transportation
• Maximum benefit: Up to $1,500 per qualified household
• Eligibility: Must be employed or have a job offer
• How to apply: Through local Community Action Agencies
• Areas covered: Available in all Montana counties

Managing Your Resources with Forage

Keeping track of all these benefits can be overwhelming. The Forage EBT app helps Montana families by:

• Providing a centralized benefits dashboard showing all your assistance programs
• Offering a secure way to check your EBT balance instantly
• Connecting you with local resources based on your specific location and needs
• Sending reminders about application deadlines and renewal periods
• Alerting you to new programs you may qualify for

Ready to simplify your benefits management and discover resources you might be missing? Download the Forage EBT app today from the App Store or Google Play to access all these Montana resources in one convenient place.

County-Specific Resources

Yellowstone County (Billings area)

• Community crisis support: 24/7 assistance through Community Crisis Center
• Family service programs: Expanded childcare subsidies through Family Service Inc.
• Local food initiative: "Billings Bounty" connecting SNAP shoppers with local farmers

Missoula County

• ROOTS program: Restaurant vouchers for SNAP households (pilot program)
• Mobile markets: Weekly neighborhood-based fresh food distribution
• Specialized support: Immigrant and refugee resource connection services

Flathead County (Kalispell area)

• Winter utility program: Additional heating assistance through Flathead Electric Cooperative
• Seasonal workers support: Special assistance during tourism off-season
• Food for kids: Expanded summer food service program sites

Rural and Frontier Counties

• Mobile resource units: Traveling benefit application assistance
• Telehealth connections: Free internet access points for virtual healthcare
• Community cooperatives: Bulk purchasing groups to reduce food costs

Ready to make more out of EBT?

Download the Forage App today to easily find EBT-friendly stores near you and manage your benefits with ease!