SNAP Benefit Relief Efforts
The One Big Beautiful Bill, landmark legislation levied by Republican members of Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4th, 2025, has major implications across the board, from tax assessments and immigration policy to student loan repayment and various social programs—specifically, significant funding cuts to Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Created through the Food Stamp Act of 1964 and renamed in 2008, SNAP provides hardship relief to nearly 42 million Americans as of 2025. The Bozeman Chronicle reports that an estimated 635 Park County residents are currently registered for SNAP benefits.
Many of these newly implemented changes took effect November 1st. For instance, recipients ages 55 to 64, previously exempt from work requirements, must now return outmatched to a competitive, tech-driven workforce and strained economy riddled with inflation. Age exemptions for families with dependent children, furthermore, have been reduced from age 18 to 14. The Big Beautiful Bill also suspends work requirement exemptions for U.S. veterans. Such changes are expected to result in over two million Americans losing SNAP benefits. Others slated to take effect as early as 2028 include reductions in federal funding with responsibility shifting to states.
Compounding these modifications, the recent federal government shutdown further impacted SNAP by halting November payments, leaving some individuals and families desperate. Payments are anticipated to resume in short order though only partially and with delay.
Members of the Livingston business community, however, have organized efforts to combat food insecurity throughout Park County. In response to these funding deficits, Chico Hot Springs recently donated $10,000 to the Livingston Food Resource Center (LFRC). Representatives from Chico want to “help ensure our neighbors have access to healthy, reliable meals through the coming winter.”
“We are so grateful to support our local community and the Livingston Food Resource Center, which continues to be a lifeline for Park County residents. Their work truly strengthens our community, and we’re proud to stand alongside them in this effort,” the organization expressed through Marketing Manager Bridgette Shope.
This generous donation arrives to the LFRC at a time when people struggle more than ever to make ends meet—the holiday season, joyous for some yet financially demanding for others.
The Movement Collaborative, a yoga studio and self-proclaimed wellness center located in downtown Livingston, is partnering with the Community Closet to offer various services—movement classes and support groups—funded through the Movement for Everyone grant. The studio is also offering free yoga classes in exchange for food or monetary donations. All proceeds will be donated to the Livingston Food Resource Center.
In an email correspondence with the Journal, studio proprietor Kelly Miller explained, “I was motivated to do this after buying dog food at Murdochs and the register clerk asked if I wanted to donate my change to the local food bank. It's our hope that by leading by example, more businesses will step up to the plate.”
Local real estate firm ERA Landmark is also hosting a food drive through the month of November. Non-perishable, unopened and unexpired pantry food items may be dropped off between 9 am and 3 pm at 215 S. Main Street in downtown Livingston. All donations will be gifted to both Loaves & Fishes Soup Kitchen and the Livingston Food Resource Center.
ERA is focused primarily on collecting items that the food pantry and soup kitchen need most. Canned protein (like tuna or chicken), canned fruit & vegetables, soups, macaroni & cheese, whole wheat pastas, oils, honey, baking supplies (flour, sugar, etc.), and an array of fresh items are also welcome, including eggs and any extra garden vegetables.
“We’re excited to organize this year’s November food drive and to help support such a meaningful cause within our community. We recognize that food costs and availability are a growing challenge for many local families. We hope our efforts can help alleviate a portion of that need. It’s important to us that we give back to the place we call home, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to join our neighbors in making a positive difference this season,” exclaimed Tom Gierhan, Manager at ERA Landmark.
For more information, please contact Melody Christopher at melody@eralivingston.com.