GEO Food Assistance Fund

As many of you know, SNAP payments did not go out for November and are currently paused due to the ongoing government shutdown, leaving many graduate assistants in Bozeman struggling to make ends meet in our already high cost of living area. In response, the Graduate Employee Organization has created the GEO Food Assistance Fund, offering grocery support for graduate assistants (GAs) experiencing food insecurity.

This fund is built by and for graduate workers, with the goal of helping each other meet basic needs during times of financial stress.

Application Information

Applications open: Tuesday, November 11th
Deadline: Sunday, November 23rd
Award type: Local grocery store gift card (ex. Town and Country, Winco, Walmart)
Award Amount: Based on available funding. We anticipate the typical award will be $40, with a maximum of $75. Not all applicants will receive assistance in the initial round.

Apply for the GEO Food Assistance Fund
View Program Guidelines Here

Due to limited initial funds, not everyone who applies will receive assistance. GEO members may be prioritized if demand exceeds available resources, since these funds are collective resources sustained by our membership and community allies.

About the Fund

  • Graduate assistants complete the short application form during the open period.

  • A small confidential committee reviews requests and distributes gift cards as funds allow.

  • All information is kept strictly confidential.

  • Applicants will be notified by email within two weeks after the application closes.

This program currently has $500 in initial funding, generously donated by a community member. We hope to expand it through continued donations and future fundraising drives.

This fund is designed as a mutual-aid style program, here people support people. GEO members make this possible. If you would like to sign your union card to help grow programs like this, click this link. GEO dues will never be given to non-GEO members.

Other Food Assistance In Bozeman

MSU Basic Needs Program

The MSU Basic Needs Program is available to all MSU students enrolled in 1 or more credits. This includes accessing food, healthcare, and other services in the community.

  • Bounty of the Bridgers Campus Food Pantry: Open 12-6 Monday through Friday. Located on the first floor of the Student Wellness Center, Room 1126. You can shop at this food pantry once a week with your student ID number.

  • Saturday Pop-Up Pantry: This pantry is located at 101 East Julia Martin Drive, Apt E, in grad student housing every Saturday 1-3 or while supplies last. You are more likely to find baked goods and produce here.

  • American Indian Hall Pop-Up Pantry: Every second Thursday of the month 3-5 or while supplies last. Open to all students.

  • Schedule a Meeting: The MSU Basic Needs Program is available to meet with you by appointment. They can work with you to navigate public assistance, including SNAP, Medicare, and more. Learn more or schedule a meeting by clicking this link.

Gallatin County Community Resources

  • Gallatin Valley Food Bank: Gallatin Valley Food Bank’s programs are meant to cover a five day emergency supply and supplement other sources of food. Services are confidential. Learn more at https://gallatinvalleyfoodbank.org/

  • I-Ho’s Community Menu: I-Ho’s is offering a meal to support members of the Bozeman community until SNAP benefits are restored. Ask your Server for the Community Member Option. This offer is no-cost, no-questions, and dine-in only.

A Note on SNAP, WIC, and other Public Assistance

GAs do not typically qualify for SNAP or WIC because we do not meet the minimum working hours (20) and our status as students. However, if you have dependents, they often do qualify. Your partner may also qualify. If you have questions about qualifying for these programs, schedule a meeting with MSU Basic Needs with the link above.

GAs may qualify for other public assistance programs. You may qualify for services such as Medicaid or LIHEAP Montana, which supports low-income households with heating bills during winter months. In many cases, even if you have a roommate, you may be considered a single-person household if you buy and prepare your own food, etc. Learn more here: https://www.montana.edu/wellness/health-ed-and-promotion/basic-needs/public-assistance.html

If there are resources missing from this page that would benefit the Graduate Assistant Community, please contact geocentralcommittee@gmail.com and we will get them added.