Montana Democrats Leading Response to SNAP Crisis with Food Drive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 28, 2025

CONTACT
press@montanademocrats.org

Helena, MT – The Republican-led government shutdown is forcing 77,679 Montanans to go without food assistance in November. Montana’s Department of Health and Human Services announced last week that SNAP payments will not be made to Montanans next month.

As Republicans in Washington refuse to negotiate lower healthcare premiums for Montanans and re-open the government, Gov. Gianforte is refusing to utilize an available contingency fund that could fully fund November SNAP payments in Montana.

Democratic lawmakers like Sen. Laura Smith (D-Helena) and Rep. James Reavis (D-Billings) are urging Montanans to call Gianforte and tell him to utilize $14 million that legislators set aside to make sure Montanans don't go hungry this November.

In reponse, the Montana Democratic Party has organized a statewide food drive to help stock food banks and feed Montana neighbors throughout November. The drive will be hosted across Montana through the party’s local central committees. Interested community members can reach out to their county central committee or info@montanademocrats.org to find a drop-off location near them.

"One of the best things about living in Montana is that Montanans show up for each other,” said Justin Ailport, Interim Executive Director of the MontanaDemocratic Party. “Senator Daines, Senator Sheehy, Congressman Zinke, and Congressman Downing seem to have forgotten that core value, while they’re selling out Montanans left and right to score points in Washington. Montana Democrats know that feeding people isn’t a game – it’s a responsibility. We’re excited to host this food drive for our neighbors and help them make ends meet in a really difficult time.”

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