Township offices, nonprofits prepare to meet need as SNAP cuts take hold
**With SNAP Benefits Ending Nov. 1, Lake and Porter County Officials Prepare for Increased Food Assistance Demand**
As SNAP benefits are set to expire on November 1, officials in Lake and Porter counties are preparing for a surge of people seeking food assistance.
Hilltop Neighborhood House in Valparaiso will be open an extra day next week and will double its donation hours as community members have been coming forward to donate more food, said Hilltop CEO Jennifer Wright. The food pantry, which is typically open on Thursdays, will add an additional day on Tuesday next week.
Next week, the Hilltop Mission Kitchen will offer hot meals on Monday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Hilltop Food Pantry will be open from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on both Tuesday and Thursday, Wright added.
In recent weeks, the food pantry has seen an increase in visitors, a trend Wright expects will continue as the end of the month approaches. Approximately 100 new families have started coming in the last two weeks alone.
“We’ve already seen an increase in just the last few weeks,” Wright said. “The tipping point will be Saturday, and we didn’t want to make folks wait until the following Thursday, so we added services for Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.”
—
**Uncertainty Surrounding SNAP Funding**
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps about one in eight Americans afford groceries, faces potential cuts or suspension starting November 1 unless the federal government shutdown is resolved or other action is taken.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers SNAP, told states not to contact vendors due to funding uncertainties for November.
However, a federal judge in Rhode Island recently blocked the Trump administration from cutting SNAP funding amidst the government shutdown.
The average monthly SNAP benefit is $187 per person, with most beneficiaries living at or below the poverty level.
—
**Efforts to Secure SNAP Funding**
Congress and President Donald Trump could reach an agreement to end the federal shutdown that began on October 1. Alternatively, the administration might allocate funds for SNAP from a USDA contingency fund even if the shutdown continues.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that about $5 billion remains in this contingency fund and has called on the administration to use it to cover partial benefits in November.
U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan (D-Highland) supports using the $5 billion reserve or a separate legislative measure to fund SNAP.
“With increasing utility and grocery bills, cutting SNAP benefits adds insult to injury,” Mrvan said. “They are refusing to put food on the table for senior citizens, working families, and children across Northwest Indiana, which is unacceptable.”
“These types of cruel maneuvers do not benefit anybody. Let’s negotiate in good faith, find solutions, open the government, and move forward,” he added.
—
**Community Impact and Response**
Wright noted that many who visit Hilltop Neighborhood House are senior citizens who typically receive about $28 in SNAP benefits per month.
“They are already relying on the food pantry. This just doubles their need,” she said.
Wright also addressed misconceptions about food insecurity, emphasizing that most people seeking assistance are working but struggling to stretch their income.
Unexpected expenses, such as medical bills following a child’s injury, often reduce available funds for food.
“This will tighten resources for everyone; if pantries can’t keep up with new or emergency clients, regular clients may receive less,” Wright explained.
Despite challenges, the community has stepped up with donations. Wright emphasized that shelf-stable food items are especially helpful because they can be immediately distributed without added handling costs.
She anticipates SNAP cuts being short-term, lasting one to two weeks.
“We’re taking it day by day and doing the best we can,” Wright said.
—
**Local Township Assistance Efforts**
Beth Tate, Director of Public Assistance for Hanover Township Trustee’s Office, said their food pantry serves about 50 families monthly. The office provides help with rent, utilities, food, and clothing.
Residents in need can apply for public assistance and, if approved, receive Stack & Van Til grocery vouchers. However, resources are limited, as the township operates with taxpayer funds.
“There’s not much more we can do. We only have a small gift fund for groceries,” Tate said. The township also directs people to local food banks for additional support.
“I hope they don’t cut food stamps because it would be a mess. That’s a big concern here,” Tate added.
Similarly, the North Township Trustee’s office offers assistance with food, household and personal care items, emergency disaster relief, rental or mortgage aid, utility help, and clothing support.
In a recent email, the North Township Trustee’s office acknowledged community anxiety about potential SNAP reductions.
—
**Proactive Measures in Ross Township**
Antiqua Austin, Chief Deputy of Ross Township, shared that the office has proactively prepared for the expected SNAP cuts by reaching out to grocery stores and local businesses for donations, many of which have been received.
Ross Township operates a food pantry through Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Merrillville. Food pantry sign-ups have increased by 20% in the last month.
“We’re trying to meet the needs of those in need and are open to increasing food pantry hours if necessary,” Austin said.
She encouraged anyone requiring assistance to contact the township office.
“We don’t want anyone to go without. Even if we can’t fully meet the need, we can connect people to resources,” Austin concluded.
—
As the expiration of SNAP benefits approaches, local organizations and officials continue to mobilize resources and support in hopes of alleviating food insecurity across the region.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/31/township-offices-nonprofits-prepare-to-meet-need-as-snap-cuts-take-hold/
You may also like
Leave a Reply