United Way of Bartholomew County and local social service organizations are partnering together to respond to the needs of residents affected by missed November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, payments caused by the government shutdown.

Residents needing additional help during this time can go to local food assistance organizations including Love Chapel, Community Center of Hope and the Salvation Army. Community members who wish to help families facing food insecurity are also encouraged to donate directly to these organizations.

Each of these food pantries are equipped to support families in need and can leverage donations to maximize their impact, often providing meals at a lower costs than direct food contributions. A complete list of food resources in Bartholomew County can be found at unitedwehelp.org.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture helps oversee the SNAP program, also known as food stamps. The USDA has instructed several states, including Indiana, that November SNAP benefits should not be processed in the midst of the federal government shutdown.

Around 5,382 Bartholomew County residents rely on SNAP benefits, according to September data from the Indiana Division of Family Resources, and will be affected by the stoppage of November payments.

“We are encouraging everyone in the community to come together to ensure no family goes hungry during this challenging time,” Mark Stewart, President of United Way of Bartholomew County, said in the release.
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