Snack Attack, a food truck in Billings, hands out free food to homeless people every Sunday.
The tradition has been going for four years and began when owner Debbie Patterson was working with the Montana Rescue Mission and saw how desperately residents needed a stable source of food.
“I think it all started with Rescue Mission,” Patterson said Sunday afternoon. “After COVID hit, it became clear that these people didn’t have a place to eat on Sundays, so we decided to step up and feed them.”
Patterson works closely with local churches in Billings to get them to donate food and clothing for Snack Attack, which distributes the donated food and clothing every Sunday at 4 p.m., right next to St. Vincent DePaul Church on First Avenue South.
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“We couldn’t have done this without the support of our sponsors,” Patterson said. “I think it’s just great to know that we made a difference.”
The impact was apparent as residents lined up to get food. Brian Steele and Joseph Muniz were among the many who received food aid on Sunday. Both said the food aid was a blessing in their own difficult lives.
“It’s hard. It’s really hard,” Steele said of homelessness. “All we’re trying to do is survive and make a living, but it’s hard.”
Muniz added that the opportunity to receive clothes and a hot meal makes a big difference.
“It’s especially hard being homeless,” Muniz said. “We have jobs, but it’s hard. Most of us don’t have anything to wear. We’re trying to get off the streets.”
Steele said his frequent visits to Snack Attack are one of the highlights of his week.
“They may not have access to a hot meal, or clean clothes, or even a shower,” Steele said. “It’s tough, but without these people, many of us wouldn’t have anything.”
Patterson said both Steele and Muniz are prime examples of what inspired her to start Snack Attack in the first place.
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“I had this burning desire in my heart that God had given me that this is what I had to do,” Patterson said, “and when the stories that people told me were horrific, it really scarred my soul and my spirit.”
Patterson said sometimes she feels so overwhelmed with emotions that she struggles to even find the words.
“It’s amazing to meet a need,” Patterson said, “especially when you’re so emotional you haven’t eaten all day. It’s indescribable.”
She may not be able to explain it herself, but the people she serves certainly can.
“I feel like I’m being blessed,” Muniz said. “I don’t know why, but it feels good.”
“They’re always here so we can always count on them,” Steele said. “It’s a blessing that they’re always here, like clockwork.”
