SNAP Recipients Will See Benefits Decrease Nov. 1

By Matt Popovich

(Undated) - Beginning November 1, Indiana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program members will see a decrease in the amount of assistance they receive each month.

More than 925,000 Hoosiers receiveing SNAP benefits should expect to see about a $36 per month decrease, according to the organization Feeding Indiana’s Hungry.

The decrease in benefits is not related to the recent federal government shutdown. Rather, the 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, which provided additional funding for SNAP, is set to expire November 1.

“Thirty-six dollars means several days’ worth of food for a struggling family," said Emily Weikert Bryant, executive director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry. "Clients already have a difficult time putting enough food on their tables and paying their bills even with SNAP benefits. We hope that by spreading the word early, clients can prepare themselves as best as possible and local food pantries can proactively gear up for increased client traffic.”

SNAP members should expect notification from the Family and Social Services Agency of Indiana regarding the new decrease in funding.

Individuals struggling to provide adequate food for their families still have options available to assist them. There are 11 food banks statewide that participate in the Feeding Indiana’s Hungry program. The eleven member food banks serve more than 1,700 agencies in all 92 counties, providing emergency food assistance to Hoosiers in need. In 2012, with help from retailers, manufacturers, private and foundation donations, and food from the Department of Agriculture, Feeding Indiana’s Hungry allocated 73.7 million pounds of food to families in need of assistance.

For those who need food right away, contact your regional food bank, which can be located through FeedingAmerica.org or Feedingindianashungry.org, or call 211 anywhere in Indiana at any time to be connected to a trained human service professional and ask for the nearest food pantry or food distribution site.

Hoosiers wishing to find out their SNAP balance can call 877-768-5098, look at their last grocery receipt, or check the balance online https://www.ebtaccount.jpmorgan.com/.