MUNCIE, Ind – Earlier this month, SNAP reductions left thousands of Hoosier families unsure of how they’d afford their next grocery order.
After the 43-day-long government shutdown, SNAP benefits are officially set to be back to the table. With this being the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, it has forced the USDA to instruct states to reduce SNAP benefits.
Many families in East Central Indiana turned to Second Harvest Food Bank during this time of uncertainty.
I spoke to the CEO and President of Second Harvest, Bekah Clawson, about how they had to stretch resources this fall. Like many other local food pantries and banks, they had to use their own funding to continue operations.
Indiana officials say full SNAP benefits will resume as soon as possible—but the exact date is still unknown. Bekah says this uncertainty leaves families in a state of anxiety—not knowing when it will end.
Director of Fundraiser Development, C.S. Hendershot, says in Delaware County alone, more than 18,000 households are food insecure. According to the organization’s 2024 Annual Report, it served over 7 million meals across Central Indiana.
The Annual Report shows that one in six people in East Central Indiana struggles with food insecurity, and one in five children is food insecure.
Second Harvest stresses that the need is not over. Hendershot tells me, “The need is never over.” They say support from the community remains crucial as benefits begin to roll back in.
The best ways to get involved are giving financial donations, participating in food banks, and keeping up with the community.
Indiana officials say a full timeline for restored SNAP benefits will be released as soon as it is finalized.
Contact Lilly Tavarez with comments at lilly.tavarez@bsu.edu
