How the government shutdown could impact SNAP and WIC services

HELENA — As the government shutdown stretches into another week, many Montana families are beginning to feel the strain, especially those relying on federal nutrition programs.

Around 7 percent of Montanans receive SNAP benefits, and food banks like the Helena Food Share brace for a surge in customers.

“We have federal employees who are coming in for support and just neighbors who just have some circumstances where they need that, and so we are anticipating an increase,” Jordan Evertz, the executive director for Helena Food Share, said.

Helena Food Share’s service area has around 6000 SNAP users, and with the shutdown, this will directly impact the amount of food they distribute.

Evertz said, “Neighbors who will be essentially without food support beginning November 1st, and so we have