Gianforte Donates Quarter of Salary to Montana Hunger Relief as Communities Fill Federal Funding Gap

LIVINGSTON — Governor Greg Gianforte donated a quarter of his annual salary to a Montana nonprofit meat processing facility Tuesday, supporting hunger relief efforts as communities across the state mobilize to fill gaps left by suspended federal food assistance.

The governor contributed his after-tax quarterly salary to The Producer Partnership, Montana’s first USDA-inspected nonprofit meat processing facility, during a visit to the organization’s Livingston headquarters.

“As Montanans, we look out for one another and help our neighbors in times of need,” Gianforte said. “Producer Partnership brings together folks from across our ag community to help feed families. I am proud to support their work and the difference they are making for people all across our state especially in a time when vulnerable Montanans and food banks are feeling the pinch of the Democrat-led shutdown.”

The donation comes as Montana communities organize local responses to address increased demand at food banks following the suspension of federal SNAP benefits. The Missoula County Republican Central Committee launched a community food drive Friday, collecting donations at four local church food pantries to support approximately 77,000 Montana SNAP recipients who lost benefits November 1st.

Nonprofit Processes 350,000 Pounds Since 2020

Founded in 2020, The Producer Partnership partners with livestock producers across Montana to accept donated animals, process them at no cost to the producer, and distribute the meat to food banks and charitable organizations statewide. The organization has donated nearly 350,000 pounds of Montana-raised animal protein to communities in need since its founding.

“The salary donation is huge for us,” said Matt Pierson, founder of Producer Partnership. “There is so much potential for what we can do, in terms of intern programs to expanding what we already have and trying to turn this different model into something sustainable and productive.”

The facility employs 10 full-time staff members and works with the Montana Food Bank Network to distribute protein to food banks across the state. It has also supplied about 50 schools around Montana, taking donations from local ranches, inspecting the meat, and sending it to schools for consumption.

Processing Pork During Federal Funding Pause

Producer Partnership is currently processing and coordinating the delivery of pork to food banks across Montana to support increased demand due to the pause of federal food assistance from the government shutdown. On October 10, the U.S. Department of Agriculture notified state agencies to halt distribution of food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for November.

Earlier this week, USDA notified states it would partially fund SNAP during November with emergency funds. The federal government remains closed after Senate Democrats have voted 14 times against funding the government, according to the Governor’s Office.

The nonprofit also operates an internship program for local high school students to gain experience and school credit for assisting with animal processing. During the governor’s visit to the Livingston facility, he met with students from Joliet High School who are participating in the program.

Four-Year Salary Donation Commitment

The contribution represents the latest installment of Gianforte’s commitment to donate his entire gubernatorial salary to Montana nonprofits and organizations. Since taking office in January 2021, the governor has donated his complete salary to nonprofits and organizations that strengthen Montana communities and support those in need.

The facility allows donated animals to be processed locally, keeping more value in Montana communities while helping feed families statewide. Producer Partnership relies on the generosity of Montana ranchers and donors to continue connecting locally raised protein to communities in need.

“County Republicans don’t have any control over national politics, but we are stepping up to provide real help to our neighbors,” said Michael HagEstad, Chair of the Missoula County Republican Central Committee, describing the multi-faceted community response across Montana.