Disaster Program Offers Hoosier Families Access To Food Assistance

The Disaster Household Distribution (DHD) program will allow food banks and pantries to further support families. 

(Indianapolis, Ind.) — Hoosiers needing assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic will have greater access to help through Disaster Household Distribution (DHD) program. 

This USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approved program will allow food banks and pantries to further support families. 

The disaster distribution program uses commodity foods from The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) administered by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and is effective through May 14. 

The goal of this program is to increase access to food assistance to families in need. Hoosiers suffering significant economic loss will be given priority. 

Through the coronavirus response, food banks and partner agencies have switches to drive-through distribution. Current TEFAP food banks will continue to use the network of new and existing mobile pantries to distribute food packages to families.

It is expected that a 250 site, including mobile panties, will assist with distributing food throughout the state, mainly in rural areas. 

Each household will be able to receive on prepackaged 25-pound box with a variety of foods including, but not limited to, canned and packaged fruits, vegetables, soups, sauces, noodles, beans, nuts, juices and meats.

If frozen and/or refrigerated storage is available at a site, those items will be distributed as well.

Contact your local food bank or pantry to find out if they will be participating in the DHD program. 

For additional information, visit wic.in.gov or find a food pantry near you by using Indiana’s food assistance map.