More than half of Central Indiana residents experienced food insecurity — even before SNAP uncertainty

Roughly half of Central Indiana residents experienced food insecurity in the past year, according to a new survey from the Indy Hunger Network. 

The survey was done earlier this year, before the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, was impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown.It asked respondents to rate their food security between April of 2024 and March of 2025. 

Over half said they experienced some level of food insecurity, and 37% said they were missing meals because they didn't have enough food.

Kate Howe is the executive director of the Indy Hunger Network. She said the SNAP program was one of the main ways people were getting the food they needed.

"When you see that many people relying on SNAP and you know that they're not getting their benefits this month, it's a huge concern," Howe said. 

The survey included responses of about 1,300 households across nine Central Indiana counties, including Marion County. 

It's unclear when SNAP benefits might resume. The Trump Administration said it would make partial payments to enrollees. A judge ruled this week that SNAP payments need to be paid in full, butthe U.S. Department of Agriculture appealed that decision. 

While questions about SNAP benefits move through the courts, more pressure is being put on local food charities.

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Howe said local food pantries are already being impacted by the federal shutdown and uncertainty around SNAP benefits. 

"We expect that as more and more people find that their SNAP benefits aren't loading, that we longer and longer lines of people trying to get help in places that may not be able to meet that growing demand," she said. 

SNAP provides for 50% of the meals of people using food assistance in Marion County, according to Howe. She said food pantries and food banks won't be able to make up that loss.

Contact Health Reporter Benjamin Thorp at bthorp@wfyi.org