Community funders launch $1 million Central Indiana Food Relief Fund in response to SNAP cuts
A group of community funders has launched a $1 million Central Indiana Food Relief Fund in response to imminent Nov. 1 cuts to federal SNAP benefits, United Way of Central Indiana announced Thursday. This fund will support three major food organizations that supply food to hundreds of pantries across the region and state.
Beginning the week of Nov. 3, 100% of donated funds will be distributed to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Midwest Food Bank of Indiana and Second Helpings.
The fund was launched with a $500,000 donation from an anonymous donor – intended to encourage the community to match, or exceed, that amount. The Indianapolis Foundation, Lilly Endowment Inc. and the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation (Lilly Foundation) contributed, quickly meeting that match.
The community is invited to join this effort. People can donate directly to Gleaners, Midwest Food Bank and Second Helpings – or contribute to the Central Indiana Food Relief Fund at uwci.org/central-indiana-food-relief-fund. This fund will be managed by United Way, with 100% of donations to be distributed to these three food organizations.
This Saturday, Nov. 1, some 600,000 Hoosiers who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) won’t receive their benefits because of the federal government shutdown.
Nearly 150,000 people across Central Indiana – in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties – rely on SNAP. Some 49% of SNAP participants in the region are in families with children.
“Food is not a privilege; it’s a basic human right,” said Fred Payne, United Way of Central Indiana’s president and CEO. “United Way is proud to stand alongside its partners and other funders to respond to this critical need and help hard-working families put food on the table. Philanthropy alone cannot fill this gap. But we are calling on our community right now to join us, support our food banks and help our neighbors in need.”
Payne announced the Central Indiana Food Relief Fund during a press conference Thursday held by the City of Indianapolis at Bethel Cathedral AME.
Those in need of food assistance can use Indy Hunger Network’s Community Compass to find resources near them. This free, interactive tool allows people to search and find groceries and meals closest to them.
At Thursday’s press conference, the City of Indianapolis announced it is expanding food outreach and distribution efforts, including providing emergency funding and additional resources throughout November. The City’s Office of Public Health and Safety will increase capacity at distribution events previously planned throughout the month and added an event this Saturday, November 1, from 2-4 p.m. at Bethel Cathedral AME (6417 Zionsville Road). All events are free and open to the public. City staff and volunteers will distribute free food, produce and resources at the events. No sign-up or I.D. is required.
Indy Parks will also host several free meal and food pantry events throughout the month of November in addition to their Drive and Dish program. Information on all City of Indianapolis food events can be found on indy.gov.
###
For more data and information about SNAP in Central Indiana, click the button below.