WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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When the federal government shut down in January, SNAP benefits began to dry up.
The state agency which handles SNAP benefits – the Families and Social Services Administration – issued this month’s benefits early, in an effort to mitigate the effects of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
The Federal Government shutdown ended in January, but impeded the availability for food assistance to over half a million Hoosiers – almost 8 percent of the state’s population. Now, area service providers, including Hoosier Hills Food Bank, are stocking up in order to cover the so-called SNAP Gap.
SNAP benefits, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, allows individuals and families experiencing poverty to purchase food.
Hoosiers were encouraged to ration their benefits, as the FSSA couldn’t be certain when – or if – the federal government shutdown would end. With February benefits issued early, and March benefits issued in two payments, area food pantries are stocking up to fill the gap. Hoosier Hills Food Bank services six counties in south-central Indiana. The food bank will spend $22,000 this month to purchase supplemental food.
SNAP benefits are scheduled to resume for an estimated 525,000 beneficiaries in Indiana, beginning next month.
