Feed Your Body as Well as Your Mind

After paying for tuition, books, and housing, you may find that you are coming up short on funds to buy groceries and other necessities. Good news! There are many services and programs that can help you and your family. 

You don’t have to navigate these sometimes-complicated programs on your own. Our success advisors are here to work with you to assess your needs, find the right program, and help you make contact and fill out paperwork.

meeting with success advisor

Some of the services and programs that may be right for you are:

Bounty of the Bridgers

1102 S. 6th Ave.

(406) 994-4380

bobpantry@montana.edu

Did you know there is a food pantry right here on campus? Located just across the street from the American Indian Hall, it is easy to visit before, after, or in between classes. In addition to the food pantry, you can also pick up Grab and Go Snack Bags at various campus locations (including the AYCSS office in the SUB) and Grab and Go Meal Kits. During the school year, you can pick up items on Saturdays as well and you can apply for a Food Security Scholarship for a 25-visit dining hall voucher. Check their website for the most up-to-date hours of operation.

Gallatin Valley Food Bank

602 Bond St.

(406) 586-7600

infogvfb@thehrdc.org

Bozeman has a full-service foodbank, complete with a bread and produce room, emergency food boxes, senior programs and a kids summer lunch program. Some initial paperwork is required for you to begin shopping and our success advisors can help you fill it out and work with food bank staff to make your initial visit fast and easy. Check their website for the most up-to-date hours of operation.

Food Banks in Montana

Are you back in your hometown for the summer or holiday break and need some assistance? The interactive map on the Montana Food Bank Network website can help you find the closest food bank, as well as other resources for you and your family.

Fork & Spoon

302 N. 7th Ave.

(406) 587-4225

forkandspoon@thehrdc.org

Feel like a scratch-cooked meal in a fun, friendly atmosphere? This pay-what-you-can restaurant is a great way to have an economical night out with friends and family. Check their website for the most up-to-date hours of operation and the daily menu.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

1218 S. 15th St. (MSU Campus)

215 W. Mendenhall (downtown Bozeman)

(406) 582-3115

WIC@gallatin.mt.gov

Are you pregnant and/or have children up to five years old? You may be eligible to receive free, heathy foods, farmer’s market vouchers, and free classes, resources, and nutritionist consultations. Paperwork and an in-person appointment is necessary, and our success advisors can work with you to determine your eligibly and work with county staff to ensure a smooth application process.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

(406) 239-6475 (Montana Food Bank Network)

snap@mfbn.org

collegesnapproject.org

SNAP is a federal nutrition assistance program that is managed in Montana by the Montana Food Bank Network. Benefits include funds to purchase food added monthly to a card you use like a debit card, double benefits at farmer’s markets, reduced-priced internet service and Amazon Prime membership, among others. There is a program designed especially for college students and our success advisors can work with you to determine your eligibility, assist in the application process, and work with state staff to ensure a smooth application and reporting process.

MSU Extension Nutrition Education Program

235 Culbertson Hall

(406) 994-6079

buyeatlivebetter.org

If you receive SNAP benefits then you are eligible to participate in cooking and nutrition education classes through SNAP’s education arm, SNAP-Ed. However, if you are not part of the program, you can take advantage of all the resources and materials they offer. Check out the website for nutritious, low-cost recipesand dozens of fact sheets about food, physical activity, cooking, children and families, and much more. You can also get even more information and resources on YouTube, Facebook, and Pinterest. 

Want to learn more about these programs?