Nutrition

Max Baucus: Doing what’s right for Montana’s struggling families

As chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, Montana’s senior U.S. Senator, Max Baucus was a key author of the Jobs Bill- working to ensure the economic recovery legislation was right for Montana. The Jobs Bill will bring more than $600 million dollars to Montana and create or sustain more than 11,000 jobs.

The current economic crisis has affected all Montanans, especially struggling families and children. Max included provisions in the Jobs Bill to lessen the impact of the economic downturn, providing immediate relief for children, low income families, and others who may find themselves struggling to put food on the table or a roof over their head.

Jobs Bill Provisions for Montana include an estimated:

• $261,650 through the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which will allow the State to supplement other sources of food aid for needy persons.
• $50 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (formerly food stamps).
• $172,693 for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, which provides grants to nonprofit and faith-based organizations that provide for the immediate needs of the homeless.
• $247,460 for National School Lunch Program Equipment Assistance to help schools purchase food processing equipment used to make healthier meals.
• $500,000 for Senior Meals Programs, such as Meals on Wheels, to cope with steep increases in food and fuel costs. The funding will help prevent reductions in meal deliveries to seniors.

There are several resources available for organizations interested in receiving some of this vital funding. The websites recovery.gov and recovery.mt.gov are excellent places to start.  Baucus staff can also offer support including help contacting the appropriate agency or department and providing support during the funding process.