By OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

FORT HALL – The Fort Hall Business is alarmed that the U.S. Congress’s inaction has forced the government shutdown to continue, putting vital programs in jeopardy. For the first time, families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see delays in their benefits until the Federal government reopens, or if in the unlikely event a compromise is reached before October 31, 2025.

“We know many in our community are feeling anxious about what this means for their families,” said Fort Hall Business Council Chairperson Donna Thompson. “During times like this, it’s important that we stand together and support one another.”

During this time, the following services are available in Fort Hall:

Food and Hygiene Pantry – Available Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Apply with the 477 Program at the Old Casino. Non-perishable food donations are always welcome to offset the increase in need;

Monthly Idaho Food Bank Distribution – Every Third Thursday of the month at the Old Casino. Drive-through distribution begins at 3 p.m. until food runs out;

477 Program Assistance Available – The 477 Program continues to provide several essential services for community members, including: TANF Cash Assistance for eligible needy families, General Assistance for eligible individuals, Education, Employment, and Training Services, and Energy Assistance and Weatherization. Community members can apply for these programs through the 477 Office located at the Old Casino. For applications, contact Wynona Boyer, Administrative Representative, at (208) 478-3898 or by email at wynona.boyer@sbtribes.com;

Commodity Program – Will reopen for the November distributions beginning on Monday, November 3. Available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m to 4 p.m. and at 81 East Agency Road (west of the Property Building). Please contact Miranda Dixey at (208) 478-3918 or Megan Pabawena at (208) 478-3780.

Please be aware, that due to federal law, recipients of SNAP benefits must relinquish the benefit prior to applying for assistance from the commodities program.

Commodities applications may be picked up at the Commodity Program’s office. Eligibility is determined by information provided during the application process.

Pocatello Community Area resources for food pantries, meal sites, clothing, shelters, and other resources include Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency (SEICAA), St. Vincent DePaul, Salvation Army, Gate City Christian Church, Rocky Mountain Ministries, Trinity Episcopal Church, Valley Mission Food Pantry (First Baptist Church), Pocatello First United Methodist Church, LDS Church, Idaho Food Bank, Aid For Friends, Family Services Alliance, Pocatello Housing Authority, Neighbor Works, Navigation, Department of Health, and Welfare, Compassion and Hope Pregnancy Center, Women Infants and Children (WIC), Community Council of Idaho (CCI), SICOG, findhelpidaho.org, Red Door.

“Council will continue to advocate for our people until the shutdown ends, and wants to ensure that everyone knows what services and resources are available to help,” Thompson concluded.

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