Only 65% of Montanans eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are taking advantage of SNAP services. Many people don't want the government intrusion, some are "too proud" and some simply don't understand the program. Here's my latest report on the Montana $NAPshot Challenge - Dennis@KPAX Video - Length: 1:35
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Living on a SNAP budget
02/15/2012 01:47 PM by Dennis Bragg (KPAX News)
MISSOULA- When you can only spend $4 a day on food, and even simple staples like peanut butter or ground beef cost far more than that, planning your meals with nutrition and variety can be a major challenge.
That's what more than 130,000 Montanans are facing every day as they try to make do with a combination of donated food from community pantries and what they can purchase through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Reporter Dennis Bragg is spending this week living entirely on a SNAP budget, and he's finding it takes a lot of inventing in the kitchen to get through a week.
One of the temptations of the SNAP program might be to just rush through the store and buy a bunch of pre-packaged foods. That's not very healthy and it's also not going to stretch your budget very far.
Dennis took some of the produce he bought, an onion, carrots, trusty potatoes and a dwindling package of ground beef to make a hearty stew.
Dennis' little stash of groceries seemed very, very small for a big guy with a pretty fair appetite at the beginning of the week and by the second day, he's already been finding that some of those choices made on Monday can be a real problem later in the week.
For example, Dennis' "gamble" to spend his last dollar on three Cup O' Noodles was about as worthless as feared, providing a lunch that helped for less than an hour. He says he'd have been better off to eat the styrofoam cup.
He'd been warned variety and stretching my supply going in to the challenge.
"The foods that you're used to buying you're probably not going to be able to buy any more. You're going to have to pay attention to if it's a brand name or a store name and notice the difference in price," Montana Food Bank Network Policy Officer Kate Devino explained.
"You're going to have to be comparing a bag of apples to a bag of potato chips unfortunately. And looking at the calories, how many calories in order to get enough food that you're not going to feel hungry and I think it will be a struggle to eat nutritious food," she added.
Dennis aimed for redemption on the second night, using carrots, spuds and hamburger for a stew that not only gave him the most satisfying meal all week, but also one created enough leftovers for later in the week.
However, it also emphasizes the problem for SNAP recipients of finding variety in a limited diet. But that's a problem Dennis will worry about later in the week. He said for now, he's just happy to not be hungry.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Other Resources - a list from the Missoula Food Bank
Other Resources - a list from the Missoula Food Bank
Every guest at our 3rd Street Store receives a copy of our Community Resource Guide, connecting them to the wealth of resources available in Missoula County. Download a copy here -- http://www.missoulafoodbank.org/images/stories/pdf_documents/Resource_Guide_Updates_3-2010.pdf, and feel free to reproduce and distribute it at will. A plain text version is available starting in two paragraphs down, immediately after "There are a few great places to start your search for help."
This is, by no means, an exhaustive list, and is always growing and changing. If you would like to see your organization included, or any information changed, email our Program Services Assistant and we will be happy to update our list.
There are a few great places to start your search for help:
First Call for Help offers assistance in navigating the resources available in the state. Call 549-5555 or 211 10am-5pm, M-F or visit www.montana211.org
Bridge to Benefits prescreening tools to determine which programs you qualify for. Answer a short questionnaire at www.b2bmt.org
These categories are covered below:
Crisis Hotlines
Emergency Shelter and Public Housing
Food and Nutrition (Food Banks and Soup Kitchens)
Health Care
Job Training, Employment Assistance and Continuing Education
Legal and Civil Rights
Other Services
Crisis Hotlines:
Western Montana Mental Health Center
Emergency 24-hour line 1-800-820-0083 or 532-9710
Suicide/Crisis Hotline
1-800-273-TALK
YWCA 24-Hour Crisis LINE
406-542-1944 or 1-800-483-7858
Missoula Police Department
911(or 24-hour non-emergency line 406-552-6300)
Missoula Sheriff’s Dept
911 (or non-emergency line 406-258-4810)
Emergency Shelter and Public Housing:
Poverello Center
728-1809. 535 Ryman Street. Temporary housing for homeless adults, free clothing and food pantry, laundry and showers. Daily hot meals and sack lunches to go served. Call for hours. www.thepoverellocenter.org
Salcido Center Drop- In Center
The Salcido Center which has been operating onsite at the Ryman Street Shelter since August 2010, acts as a drop-in day center for chronically homeless men and women.
Poverello can be contacted at 535 Ryman St. Missoula 59802. Or phone (406)728-1809. Email is poverello@montana.com
Salvation Army
549-0710. 339 W. Broadway. Provides short-term emergency financial assistance. Clothing and food pantry.www.salvationarmynw.org
YWCA Shelter
543-6691. Office 1130 W. Broadway. Counseling, skill building, and transitional housing for women and families. www.ywcaofmissoula.org
Missoula Housing Authority
549-4113.1235 34th Street. Public housing, Section 8 rental assistance and related housing services. www.missoulahousing.org
Human Resource Council
728-3710.1801 S. Higgins. Section 8 rental assistance, LIEAP utilities assistance program. www.hrcxi.org
Emergency Food and Nutrition:
For a list of other food banks throughout the region, check below:
Missoula Food Bank
549-0543. 219 S. 3rd W. Food distribution: 10am-1pm Monday-Friday; Evening distribution 5-7pm Monday and Tuesday. Monthly senior commodity delivery program. missoulafoodbank.org
Christian Life Center
542-0353. 3801 Russell. Food distribution: 2nd and 3rd Mondays 4-5pm (except holidays). www.clc-missoula.org
Clark Fork City Church
721-7804. 2811 Latimor Street. Food distribution: Saturdays 10am - Noon. www.cfccmt.org/Ministries/CityFood
Missoula 3:16
549-4673. 506 B Toole Avenue. Continental Breakfast: Monday-Saturday 7-9am; Soup and sandwich lunches Monday-Saturday at Noon. www.missoula316.org
Food Stamps program
SNAP/Office of Public Assistance
A division of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services 329-1200. Application Assistance Hotline: 1-800-332-2272. 2677 Palmer, Suite 100. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP program - formerly known as Food Stamps). SNAP application assistance also offered at Missoula Food Bank during distribution hours. dphhs.mt.gov
Senior Nutrition/Meals on Wheels
728-7682. Meals for homebound elderly and disabled. www.missoulaagingservices.org
WIC (Women, Infants and Children)
258-4740. 301 W. Alder. Nutrition and supplemental food program for low-income pregnant and nursing women, and children under age 5. www.co.missoula.mt.us
EFNEP (Expanded Food & Nutrition Educ. Program)
258-4207. Nutrition, meal planning and cooking instruction for low-income families.
Garden City Harvest
523-3663. Lease garden plots to grow your own vegetables.www.gardencityharvest.org
Call to exchange seasonal work for vegetables.
Humane Society of Western Montana
549-4796. Pet Food Pantry, call for availability www.myhswm.org
AniMeals
AniMeals No-Kill Adoption Center and Animal Food Bank
www.animeals.com - 1700 Rankin Street Missoula, MT 59808-1630
(406) 721-4710
Health Care:
Partnership Health Center
258-4789. 323 W. Alder. Primary care services to those with no or inadequate health coverage. www.co.missoula.mt.us/phc
Healthy Montana Kids Plan
Call 1-877-KidsNow Free or low-cost health coverage for children and teenagers up to age 19. dphhs.mt.gov
Health Department
523-4750. 301 W. Alder. Neighborhood nursing, well-child clinic, WIC, health screening, immunizations. www.co.missoula.mt.us/health
1st Way Pregnancy Support
549-0406. 1515 Fairview, Suite 250. Referral, pregnancytesting, support services for pregnant women. Diapers, maternity clothes. www.1stway.org
Planned Parenthood
728-5490. 219 E. Main. Services include female and male annual exams, pregnancy testing, birth control info/supplies. www.plannedparenthood.org
Missoula Indian Center -- UPDATE -- New location of the center is 830 W. Central Ave.
Read more on the new center at: http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_5a5a42b0-ba5c-11e0-aa46-001cc4c03286.html#ixzz1qHvtZzKn
Phone 829-9515 or 24-hour crisis line 721-2700. < Former location: Fort Missoula Rd, Bldg. #33.>
Outpatient health svcs. Provides health, nutrition, diabetes info and chemical dependency counseling. www.missoulaindiancenter.org
Adult Mental Health Services
532-9700. 1335 Wyoming. Case management and day treatment for adults with mental illness. www.wmmhc.org
Turning Point
532-9800. 1325 Wyoming. Alcohol and substance abuse treatment.www.wmmhc.org
Children’s Case Management
532-9770. Mental health services for children. wmmhc.net
Employment and Continuing Education:
Missoula Job Service
728-7060. 539 S. 3rd St. W. Job placement, training, employment counseling and resource center. wsd.dli.mt.gov/local/missoula
Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services
329-5400. 2675 Palmer, Suite A. Provides job training, placement, financial help for disabled workers. dphhs.mt.gov
Dickinson Lifelong Learning Center
542-4015 / 549-8765. 310 S. Curtis. Offers day and evening education classes for adults. thelifelonglearningcenter.com
Literacy Volunteers of America
542-4015. 310 S. Curtis. Offers reading tutoring.
UM Continuing Education
243-2900. www.umt.edu/ce
Legal Aid and Advocacy - Civil and Human Rights:
Montana Legal Services
543-8343 / 543-8344. 304 N. Higgins. Legal help to low-income people regarding landlord-tenant, disability, and other legal issues. For UM Students: 243-6213. www.mtlsa.org
Human Rights Bureau, MT
1-800-542-0807. erd.dli.mt.gov/humanright/hrhome.asp
Montana Fair Housing
542-2611. Investigates allegations of housing discrimination. www.montanafairhousing.org
MontPIRG (MT Public Interest Research Group)
243-2907. Resource for landlord-tenant issues. www.montpirg.org
Senior Help Line/Resource Center
728-7588 or 1-800-551-3191. Info about housing, transportation, health care and legal issues. www.missoulaagingservices.org/helpline
Crime Victim Advocate
258-4630. County attorney’s office. Helps with temporary order of protection, advocacy for crime victims. co.missoula.mt.us/opgweb/Grants/CVA
Child and Elder Abuse Help Line
Call 24-hours 1-800-332-6100 / 406-444-9810.
Other Services:
Child Care Resources
728-6446. 127 E. Main, Suite 314. Child care assistance. www.childcareresources.org
Parenting Place
728-5437. 1644 S. 8th W. Parenting programs and support. www.parentingplace.net
WORD (Women’s Opportunity & Resource Development)
543-3550. 2525 Palmer St., Suite #1. Renter education. Teen parent program. School-based Family Resource Centers. Homeownership education/assistance (HomeWORD). www.wordinc.org
Social Security Office
1-800-772-1213. 542-1580. 700 SW Higgins, Suite 5. www.socialsecurity.gov
Missoula US Veterans Center(406) 721-4918
500 N Higgins Ave, #202, Missoula, MT 59802 mtvetsvoice.com
Counseling/support for military veterans.
Refugee Assistance Corp.
721-5052. 715 Kensington #16. Support and referral for Hmong and Russian refugees.
Consumer Credit Counseling
543-1188. Debt management counseling. www.cccsmt.org
Summit Independent Living
728-1630. Advocacy and information for people with disabilities. www.summitilc.org
Community Dispute Resolution Center
543-1157. Mediation services.
Missoula Urban Demonstration Project
721-7513. 629 Phillips St. Promotes sustainable living through education and community projects; tool library. mudproject.ning.com
Every guest at our 3rd Street Store receives a copy of our Community Resource Guide, connecting them to the wealth of resources available in Missoula County. Download a copy here -- http://www.missoulafoodbank.org/images/stories/pdf_documents/Resource_Guide_Updates_3-2010.pdf, and feel free to reproduce and distribute it at will. A plain text version is available starting in two paragraphs down, immediately after "There are a few great places to start your search for help."
This is, by no means, an exhaustive list, and is always growing and changing. If you would like to see your organization included, or any information changed, email our Program Services Assistant and we will be happy to update our list.
There are a few great places to start your search for help:
First Call for Help offers assistance in navigating the resources available in the state. Call 549-5555 or 211 10am-5pm, M-F or visit www.montana211.org
Bridge to Benefits prescreening tools to determine which programs you qualify for. Answer a short questionnaire at www.b2bmt.org
These categories are covered below:
Crisis Hotlines
Emergency Shelter and Public Housing
Food and Nutrition (Food Banks and Soup Kitchens)
Health Care
Job Training, Employment Assistance and Continuing Education
Legal and Civil Rights
Other Services
Crisis Hotlines:
Western Montana Mental Health Center
Emergency 24-hour line 1-800-820-0083 or 532-9710
Suicide/Crisis Hotline
1-800-273-TALK
YWCA 24-Hour Crisis LINE
406-542-1944 or 1-800-483-7858
Missoula Police Department
911(or 24-hour non-emergency line 406-552-6300)
Missoula Sheriff’s Dept
911 (or non-emergency line 406-258-4810)
Emergency Shelter and Public Housing:
Poverello Center
728-1809. 535 Ryman Street. Temporary housing for homeless adults, free clothing and food pantry, laundry and showers. Daily hot meals and sack lunches to go served. Call for hours. www.thepoverellocenter.org
Salcido Center Drop- In Center
The Salcido Center which has been operating onsite at the Ryman Street Shelter since August 2010, acts as a drop-in day center for chronically homeless men and women.
Poverello can be contacted at 535 Ryman St. Missoula 59802. Or phone (406)728-1809. Email is poverello@montana.com
Salvation Army
549-0710. 339 W. Broadway. Provides short-term emergency financial assistance. Clothing and food pantry.www.salvationarmynw.org
YWCA Shelter
543-6691. Office 1130 W. Broadway. Counseling, skill building, and transitional housing for women and families. www.ywcaofmissoula.org
Missoula Housing Authority
549-4113.1235 34th Street. Public housing, Section 8 rental assistance and related housing services. www.missoulahousing.org
Human Resource Council
728-3710.1801 S. Higgins. Section 8 rental assistance, LIEAP utilities assistance program. www.hrcxi.org
Emergency Food and Nutrition:
For a list of other food banks throughout the region, check below:
Missoula Food Bank
549-0543. 219 S. 3rd W. Food distribution: 10am-1pm Monday-Friday; Evening distribution 5-7pm Monday and Tuesday. Monthly senior commodity delivery program. missoulafoodbank.org
Christian Life Center
542-0353. 3801 Russell. Food distribution: 2nd and 3rd Mondays 4-5pm (except holidays). www.clc-missoula.org
Clark Fork City Church
721-7804. 2811 Latimor Street. Food distribution: Saturdays 10am - Noon. www.cfccmt.org/Ministries/CityFood
Missoula 3:16
549-4673. 506 B Toole Avenue. Continental Breakfast: Monday-Saturday 7-9am; Soup and sandwich lunches Monday-Saturday at Noon. www.missoula316.org
Food Stamps program
SNAP/Office of Public Assistance
A division of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services 329-1200. Application Assistance Hotline: 1-800-332-2272. 2677 Palmer, Suite 100. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP program - formerly known as Food Stamps). SNAP application assistance also offered at Missoula Food Bank during distribution hours. dphhs.mt.gov
Senior Nutrition/Meals on Wheels
728-7682. Meals for homebound elderly and disabled. www.missoulaagingservices.org
WIC (Women, Infants and Children)
258-4740. 301 W. Alder. Nutrition and supplemental food program for low-income pregnant and nursing women, and children under age 5. www.co.missoula.mt.us
EFNEP (Expanded Food & Nutrition Educ. Program)
258-4207. Nutrition, meal planning and cooking instruction for low-income families.
Garden City Harvest
523-3663. Lease garden plots to grow your own vegetables.www.gardencityharvest.org
Call to exchange seasonal work for vegetables.
Humane Society of Western Montana
549-4796. Pet Food Pantry, call for availability www.myhswm.org
AniMeals
AniMeals No-Kill Adoption Center and Animal Food Bank
www.animeals.com - 1700 Rankin Street Missoula, MT 59808-1630
(406) 721-4710
Health Care:
Partnership Health Center
258-4789. 323 W. Alder. Primary care services to those with no or inadequate health coverage. www.co.missoula.mt.us/phc
Healthy Montana Kids Plan
Call 1-877-KidsNow Free or low-cost health coverage for children and teenagers up to age 19. dphhs.mt.gov
Health Department
523-4750. 301 W. Alder. Neighborhood nursing, well-child clinic, WIC, health screening, immunizations. www.co.missoula.mt.us/health
1st Way Pregnancy Support
549-0406. 1515 Fairview, Suite 250. Referral, pregnancytesting, support services for pregnant women. Diapers, maternity clothes. www.1stway.org
Planned Parenthood
728-5490. 219 E. Main. Services include female and male annual exams, pregnancy testing, birth control info/supplies. www.plannedparenthood.org
Missoula Indian Center -- UPDATE -- New location of the center is 830 W. Central Ave.
Read more on the new center at: http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_5a5a42b0-ba5c-11e0-aa46-001cc4c03286.html#ixzz1qHvtZzKn
Phone 829-9515 or 24-hour crisis line 721-2700. < Former location: Fort Missoula Rd, Bldg. #33.>
Outpatient health svcs. Provides health, nutrition, diabetes info and chemical dependency counseling. www.missoulaindiancenter.org
Adult Mental Health Services
532-9700. 1335 Wyoming. Case management and day treatment for adults with mental illness. www.wmmhc.org
Turning Point
532-9800. 1325 Wyoming. Alcohol and substance abuse treatment.www.wmmhc.org
Children’s Case Management
532-9770. Mental health services for children. wmmhc.net
Employment and Continuing Education:
Missoula Job Service
728-7060. 539 S. 3rd St. W. Job placement, training, employment counseling and resource center. wsd.dli.mt.gov/local/missoula
Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services
329-5400. 2675 Palmer, Suite A. Provides job training, placement, financial help for disabled workers. dphhs.mt.gov
Dickinson Lifelong Learning Center
542-4015 / 549-8765. 310 S. Curtis. Offers day and evening education classes for adults. thelifelonglearningcenter.com
Literacy Volunteers of America
542-4015. 310 S. Curtis. Offers reading tutoring.
UM Continuing Education
243-2900. www.umt.edu/ce
Legal Aid and Advocacy - Civil and Human Rights:
Montana Legal Services
543-8343 / 543-8344. 304 N. Higgins. Legal help to low-income people regarding landlord-tenant, disability, and other legal issues. For UM Students: 243-6213. www.mtlsa.org
Human Rights Bureau, MT
1-800-542-0807. erd.dli.mt.gov/humanright/hrhome.asp
Montana Fair Housing
542-2611. Investigates allegations of housing discrimination. www.montanafairhousing.org
MontPIRG (MT Public Interest Research Group)
243-2907. Resource for landlord-tenant issues. www.montpirg.org
Senior Help Line/Resource Center
728-7588 or 1-800-551-3191. Info about housing, transportation, health care and legal issues. www.missoulaagingservices.org/helpline
Crime Victim Advocate
258-4630. County attorney’s office. Helps with temporary order of protection, advocacy for crime victims. co.missoula.mt.us/opgweb/Grants/CVA
Child and Elder Abuse Help Line
Call 24-hours 1-800-332-6100 / 406-444-9810.
Other Services:
Child Care Resources
728-6446. 127 E. Main, Suite 314. Child care assistance. www.childcareresources.org
Parenting Place
728-5437. 1644 S. 8th W. Parenting programs and support. www.parentingplace.net
WORD (Women’s Opportunity & Resource Development)
543-3550. 2525 Palmer St., Suite #1. Renter education. Teen parent program. School-based Family Resource Centers. Homeownership education/assistance (HomeWORD). www.wordinc.org
Social Security Office
1-800-772-1213. 542-1580. 700 SW Higgins, Suite 5. www.socialsecurity.gov
Missoula US Veterans Center(406) 721-4918
500 N Higgins Ave, #202, Missoula, MT 59802 mtvetsvoice.com
Counseling/support for military veterans.
Refugee Assistance Corp.
721-5052. 715 Kensington #16. Support and referral for Hmong and Russian refugees.
Consumer Credit Counseling
543-1188. Debt management counseling. www.cccsmt.org
Summit Independent Living
728-1630. Advocacy and information for people with disabilities. www.summitilc.org
Community Dispute Resolution Center
543-1157. Mediation services.
Missoula Urban Demonstration Project
721-7513. 629 Phillips St. Promotes sustainable living through education and community projects; tool library. mudproject.ning.com
Monday, January 23, 2012
Project pairs Missoula's homeless and house-insecure with services
Project Homeless Connect takes place on Thursday, January 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at 300 E. Main St., across from the Missoula Public Library.
At the free event, attendees will have access to medical and dental care, reading glasses, a warm meal, clothing, haircuts, housing assistance, legal advice and more.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Good news for Stevi area
Pantry Partners completes construction of new building in Stevi
By Ravalli Republic | Posted: Monday, December 5, 2011 12:00 pm
Pantry Partners Food Bank announced the completion of its new building located at the corner of Middle Burnt Fork Road and ALC Way in Stevensville.
The community is invited to the grand opening dedication and celebration at 1 p.m. Tuesday.
This new facility will house the Pantry Partners Food Bank, an all-volunteer organization serving county residents from Victor to Florence. The building will also house the Clothes Closet, a volunteer distribution center for free clothing.
Read more: http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/pantry-partners-completes-construction-of-new-building-in-stevi
By Ravalli Republic | Posted: Monday, December 5, 2011 12:00 pm
Pantry Partners Food Bank announced the completion of its new building located at the corner of Middle Burnt Fork Road and ALC Way in Stevensville.
The community is invited to the grand opening dedication and celebration at 1 p.m. Tuesday.
This new facility will house the Pantry Partners Food Bank, an all-volunteer organization serving county residents from Victor to Florence. The building will also house the Clothes Closet, a volunteer distribution center for free clothing.
Read more: http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/pantry-partners-completes-construction-of-new-building-in-stevi
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Montana anywhere - just dial 211 for information on services
Montana 211
2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities.
2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities.
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