MISSOULA — A $500,000 grant from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will double SNAP benefits in Montana for the next four years.
Now, for every one SNAP dollar spent on items like fruits and vegetables, the user will receive one extra dollar to spend.
This round of grant funding secures the program for four years, ensuring its users that they can continue to rely on the program for healthy nutritious food options. The money can also be used at local farmer's markets ensuring local growers one of their most loyal customer groups can continue shopping with them.
“Because we are a small nonprofit in Missoula -- and self-fundraise for this program – it's always kind of vague as to how much longer the program will be around. Just in case we lose that funding, or something happened to it,” explained Community Food and Agriculture access program manager Ian Finch. “So, the fact that we have secured funding now for the next four years is a huge win for us and for the Montanans using SNAP."
There is also a new program with SNAP ED. If a SNAP user attends a health education class sponsored by the program, they receive an additional $20 of SNAP benefits. Click here for more information about SNAP benefits available in Montana.
