INDIANAPOLIS — Recently, Mayor Joe Hogsett was joined by Cummins and IU Health, along with food service providers to detail emergency efforts aimed at connecting Marion County residents with access to healthy, fresh food this Nov., as part of a joint press conference with United Way of Central Indiana.
The City and its corporate partners are providing more than $200,000 in emergency funding to Gleaners Food Bank to subsidize the efforts of neighborhood food pantries. Additionally, the Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) is expanding its previously announced food outreach plans through the month of Nov.. These efforts are in addition to those of the United Way of Central Indiana, who is calling on the community to donate to its Central Indiana Food Relief Fund.
The announcement was made in response to the cut-off on Nov. 1 of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due the federal government shutdown. SNAP provides food for families and individuals experiencing poverty, including children, the elderly, and the disabled. More than 120,000 households in Marion County receive these benefits. To be eligible for SNAP, the household must make less than 130% of the poverty level. As an example, poverty level for a family of four is $32,150, so income must be lower than $41,795. As of this writing (Monday Nov. 3), the Trump administration has said SNAP will be partially funded after judges’ rulings, and benefits will be reduced about 50%. It is unclear when beneficiaries will see the funds show up on their cards.
OPHS will also use the funding to increase capacity at 10 distribution events planned throughout the month, including a newly added event this Saturday, Nov. 1, at Bethel Cathedral AME, located at 6417 Zionsville Rd., from 2-4 pm. The City is also working with Indianapolis Public Schools to ensure students and families have needed support through several closed events.
FREE OPHS Nov. Food Distribution Events include:
• Nov. 8, 12 to 2 p.m.: Fountain Square Church of Christ, 1041 Spruce St.
• Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Charity Cares, 959 N. Holmes Ave.
• Nov. 15, 12 to 3 p.m.: Eclectic Souls VOICES Corp., 9501 E. 36th Pl.
• Nov. 19, 8:30 a.m.: Rock of the World, Salt of the Earth, 8833 Bel Air Dr.
• Nov. 20, 4 to 6 p.m.: with Indy Peace, 1825 E. 25th St.
• Nov. 24, 3 to 5 p.m.: Lawrence Park, 5301 N. Franklin Drive
• Nov. 25, 12 to 2:30 p.m.: Breeding Tabernacle CME, 3670 N. Leland Ave.
• Nov. 26, 3 to 5 p.m.: Stanley Strader, 2850 Bethel Ave.
Other available resources to connect residents with food include:
• Brookside Park will be hosting a Food Drive from Nov. 1-19. Residents can drop off nonperishable food donations Monday to Friday from noon to 7:30 pm at the Brookside Park Family Center, 3500 Brookside Parkway S Dr. Free meals are also available at the park on Mondays to Fridays from 4-6 p.m. while supplies last, thanks to a partnership with Second Helpings. Additional information about Second Helps programs at Indy Parks Locations will be shared on the Indy Parks Website.
• Community Compass is a free digital tool by the Indy Hunger Network. Residents can use a simple search function to find food assistance near them. It can be downloaded from app stores or accessed at www.communitycompass.app/
• Food Resource Services Hub (FRSH)- The Indy Hunger Network launched the Food Resource Services Hub (FRSH) to support individuals facing food insecurity. A Food Resource Navigator helps visitors access and connect with local food resources. Visit https://indyfoodresourceshub.org/
In addition to the city, the Indiana Dept. of Veterans Affairs has launched a new short-term initiative designed to provide critical food assistance to veterans and their families in Indiana. This program, Operation Emergency Food, is an extension of the Military Family Relief Fund (MFRF) and aims to address the immediate needs of those affected by the recent changes in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Operation Emergency Food will remain in place for the duration of the current SNAP circumstances.
To qualify for this emergency food assistance, applicants must be eligible for the MFRF program and directly affected by the changes of SNAP benefits. Interested veterans and their families can apply by visiting the MFRF Application Web page at in.gov/dva, contacting IDVA by phone (317) 232-3910, or contacting their local County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) for more information.
