The prolonged federal government shutdown means that SNAP and WIC programming will stop in November. Food stamps will not be paid out. This will impact ~1,400 households in Bozeman area, many of whom are already struggling to pay rent and utilities, to fill prescriptions, and to put food on the table.
At this time, there is no end in sight for the shutdown. The latest reporting suggests that it could last into the new year. On Sunday October 26, Bozeman Tenants United convened our membership to asses the impact of the shutdown on our members, Our members -- many of whom are recipients of various under-threat federal programs - shared urgent and escalating needs.
But we have a union. And we got us. We FEED us. BTU will launch a short-term grocery distribution to union members, starting with members of chapters - majority union apartment buildings and mobile home parks and our citywide membership. We will asses our capacity on week one and consider our ability to expand beyond that as we can, and as needed.