Indianapolis will distribute free food as SNAP benefits set to end

Federal food benefits that help feed more than 100,000 Marion County residents are set to expire Saturday as the government shutdown drags on. 

In response, Mayor Joe Hogsett, Cummins and IU Health on Thursday announced emergency funding for food assistance in the county and Central Indiana.

"For those who are currently facing food insecurity, I have just one message: Your city is here for you," Hogsett said during a press conference at Bethel AME Church.

SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides low-income individuals with monthly benefits to help buy food. The Trump administration announced that EBT cards will not be refilled and that the program will run out of money on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Earlier Thursday, attorneys for the Trump administration argued to a federal court that it can not use emergency funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a stop gap to extended SNAP benefits.  

“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA website currently says.

The city and corporations are donating $200,000 in emergency funding to Gleaners Food Bank to increase distribution to local food pantries. Gleaners serves 21 counties in Central Indiana. 

The city will also offer 10 free food distribution events throughout November. Meals, produce and other resources will be available. No sign-up or ID is required. Details are available on the city’s website here. Indy Parks will also be offering food pantries and meals for youth.

Over 571,000 people in Indiana received SNAP benefits in September, according to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. Nearly 150,000 people across Central Indiana rely on SNAP. 

“Food is not a privilege,” said Fred Payne, the CEO of United Way of Central Indiana, who is asking the community to donate to the Central Indiana Food Relief Fund to support food assistance efforts. “It is a basic human right.” 

Faith and community leaders urged action, praising the collaboration of government agencies, non-profits, corporate partners, food organizations and volunteers. 

“Right now, too many of our neighbors are being pushed deeper into hardship,” said Carlos Perkins, a minister at Bethel AME Church and a Democratic City-County Councilor. “Federal shutdowns, changes in our laws, and the reduction — even the elimination — of SNAP benefits have created real pain for working families.”

“For some, that means choosing between paying the light bill or putting food on the table. For others, it might mean filling a prescription or buying milk for their children,” Perkins said.

Bethel AME Church — the oldest Black church in Indianapolis — will be one of several food distribution sites. 

“As a faith leader, I must say this clearly,” Perkins said. “This is not simply a policy issue. This is a moral issue.”

Food distribution events

Nov. 1
Bethel Cathedral AME
6417 Zionsville Rd.
2 to 4 p.m.

Nov. 8
Fountain Square Church of Christ
1041 Spruce St.
12 to 2 p.m.

Nov. 15
Charity Cares
959 N. Holmes Ave.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nov. 15
Eclectic Souls VOICES Corp.
9501 E. 36th Pl.
12 to 3 p.m.

Nov. 19
Rock of the World, Salt of the Earth
8833 Bel Air Dr.
8:30 a.m.

Nov. 20
Oasis Of Hope Baptist Church
1825 E. 25th St.
4 to 6 p.m.

Nov. 24
Lawrence Park
5301 N. Franklin Dr.
3 to 5 p.m.

Nov. 25
Breeding Tabernacle CME
3670 N. Leland Ave.
12 to 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 26
Stanley Strader
2850 Bethel Ave.
3 to 5 p.m.

Farrah Anderson is an investigative health reporter with WFYI and Side Effects Public Media. You can follow her on X at @farrahsoa or by email at fanderson@wfyi.org.