State declines millions in federal food assistance for children as food banks see soaring need

Under the Gianforte administration, Montana is opting out of $10 million of federal money that would have paid for children’s meals this year, according to an estimate from the Montana Food Bank Network.

Citing administrative burdens, a Department of Public Health and Human Services spokesperson said in an email Tuesday the state will not participate in the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program, or P-EBT — a program meant to be temporary — for the 2022-23 school year or summer...