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St Vincent de Paul Food Pantry is one of the busiest in Marion County.
Jill Sheridan / WFYI
SNAP benefits are at risk for nearly 600,000 Hoosiers who use the federal food assistance program.
The federal government shutdown just entered the second month impacting people who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to help feed their families.
SNAP, also referred to as food stamps or EBT cards, reaches people in every Indiana community including more than 260,000 children. This weekend people could be surprised if their benefits are not loaded onto their cards.
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to release some emergency funds to support the program but that amount may not cover the full amount necessary.
Gleaners Food Bank said it is increasing its inventory of healthy food by buying from farmers and producers. The organization said it will meet the need through a combination of sources and food will be distributed at local pantries and on-site through expanded weekly distributions.
Gleaners President and CEO Fred Glass emphasized that while the charitable sector will step up, the gap will be too great.
“For every meal the entire charitable food system provides, the federal government has traditionally provided nine,” Glass wrote in a statement, “so when the federal government abdicates that role, no one food bank – or even every food bank working together – can come close to meeting the needs of the hungry left behind.
In Marion County more than 100,000 residents could lose benefits. In response, the city and partner organizations donated $200,000 in emergency funding to increase distribution to local food pantries.
The city will also offer 10 free food distribution events throughout November.
Meals, produce and other resources will be available and no sign-up or ID is required. Details are available on the city’s website. Indy Parks will also offer food and meals for youth.
A prolonged SNAP shortage is also expected to have an impact on the larger food system starting at grocery stores where Hoosier SNAP recipients spend millions of dollars a month.
Indiana residents on SNAP receive an average rate of $195 per person
People can still use any remaining balance in November on their EBT cards. There are resources for anyone is looking for immediate assistance.
In central Indiana, the Community Compass app provides location based information about where to receive food. The app can be downloaded an pinpoints food pantries and meal site.
People can also call Indiana 211 for assistance. Local community centers, faith centers, or township trustee offices will also be able to connect people with food assistance.
The Trump administration has been given a Monday deadline to have a plan to fund emergency assistance.
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