SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, (formerly food stamps) is the cornerstone of the Nation's nutrition safety net and essential in helping to meet this increased demand for food.  However, approximately 1 in 3 clients likely to be eligible for the program are not participating. In fact, MFBN’s Hungry in Montana 2010 report found that 39% of emergency food pantry clients surveyed were not receiving SNAP benefits.

 

A number of possible barriers discourage people from applying for SNAP benefits including misconceptions about the program, transportation difficulties, or not knowing how to navigate the application process. In addition, many do not apply simply because they are unaware of their eligibility. Given the program’s importance for the health of participants, as well as its significant contribution to state and local economies, the Montana Food Bank Network has made increasing SNAP participation a priority. 

 

The Montana Food Bank Network has led the initiative to foster SNAP outreach by offering SNAP Outreach Workshops to service providers in communities across the state. These workshops are attended by community volunteers, case managers, and other local service providers interested in learning the ins and outs of the SNAP application so that they, in turn, can assist their clients. As a result, an increased amount of SNAP outreach is happening through community health centers, Head Start programs, WIC offices, senior centers, food pantries, and many other community organizations.

 

What are the Benefits of the Workshop?

 

The Montana Food Bank Network has partnered with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) to reach the common goal of increasing SNAP participation. We were honored to be included in a 3-year USDA grant awarded to DPHHS in September 2007. This grant provides funding for improvements to the SNAP application process, as well as for additional outreach and education.

 

To promote SNAP outreach throughout Montana MFBN is building partnerships with local officials, service providers and community volunteers in target counties across the state to help address access barriers, generate ideas for outreach, and increase SNAP participation.  In addition, MFBN will provide SNAP Outreach Laptops to agencies in target counties, allowing clients to pre-screen for potential SNAP eligibility and apply for SNAP benefits online through Montana Connections. The availability of the computer, as well as the ability to apply online will simplify the application process and help individuals overcome many potential barriers, including transportation and time-constraint issues. 

 

The counties targeted through this grant are Ravalli, Beaverhead, Gallatin, Lincoln, Silver Bow, Yellowstone, Dawson, Custer, Musselshell, Teton, Liberty, Fergus, Wheatland, Phillips, and Carter Counties.

 

Lorianne Burhop, Public Policy Manager for the Montana Food Bank Network, can be reached at (406) 721-3825 ext. 230 , toll-free at (800) 809-4752, or by email at lburhop@mfbn.org.