MUNCIE, Ind. - Hoosiers who rely on federal food aid could lose those benefits starting tomorrow, as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program runs out of funding Nov. 1 if Congress does not act.
Emily Weikert Bryant, executive director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, said the effects could hit families across the state hard.
"We know that food banks will be one of the first places families turn," Bryant pointed out. "Our member food banks are working with faith-based and community pantries across the state. Our food banks adapt quickly to meet the moment."
Bryant noted Hoosiers who depend on the program include working families, older adults and children.
Republican leaders in Congress have said they will not approve partial funding for SNAP without a full government funding deal. Democrats insist the House should act to protect food aid now while broader budget talks continue.
Bryant emphasized food banks are already stretched thin and cannot replace the assistance SNAP provides.
"During the shutdown, our member food banks are working with regional airports, federal courthouses and other locations to assess adding additional distributions or providing information about accessing services to support our communities as we prepare for the need to increase," Bryant explained.
Bryant added Hoosiers who need food now can find resources through local pantries listed at FeedingIndianasHungry.org.
Joe Ulery wrote this article. The CI has launched a crowdsourced map of food pantries in Muncie at CIMuncie.org/food.