SNAP payments at risk for almost 600,000 Hoosiers as federal shutdown drags on
Indiana SNAP Benefits at Risk Amid Federal Government Shutdown
Nearly 600,000 Hoosiers who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could face a severe disruption in food benefits as the federal government shutdown continues with no clear end in sight.
According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) letter sent to states earlier this month, the department will not be able to fully fund SNAP in November unless Congress restores funding or approves a contingency plan.
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) confirmed on October 21 that it will not be authorized to distribute federal SNAP benefits in November “unless funding is restored.”
“We are continuing to monitor the situation in Washington and are following the guidance from our federal partners at USDA,” an FSSA spokesperson said, sharing a copy of the USDA letter with IndyStar.
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Confusion Among Recipients
Adding to the uncertainty, an earlier FSSA update from October 1 reassured residents that “SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid services will continue” despite the shutdown. This has left many Hoosiers confused, with social media users questioning which message to believe.
Some users cited the October 1 post to downplay concerns, while others expressed skepticism. “It does say that but I don’t believe it,” one user commented on Facebook, reflecting widespread anxiety among SNAP beneficiaries.
Economic and Social Fallout
Indiana distributes roughly $100 million in SNAP benefits every month, according to Emily Weikert-Bryant, executive director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry. She warned that food banks may face enormous pressure if federal aid stops.
“Until there is more information, all that we know is that USDA is not allowing for November benefits to be distributed at this time,” Weikert-Bryant said. “We’ll continue to assess whether additional distributions or other things are needed to support our communities as we prepare for that increasing need.”
Possible State Intervention
There are discussions at the state level about using emergency funding to prevent disruptions. State Rep. Gregory Porter (D–Indianapolis) has urged the State Budget Committee to transfer funds to the FSSA and Division of Family Resources to cover any gap in federal SNAP funding.
“Regardless of their political affiliation, every Hoosier should be horrified by the notion of a child going hungry,” Porter said in an October 21 press release. “If SNAP and WIC benefits are cut, that’s exactly what will happen.”
WIC Program Also Threatened
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is also in jeopardy. Although the White House provided a temporary funding boost earlier this month, the National WIC Association warned that it’s not a sustainable solution.
A spokesperson for the Indiana Department of Health told IndyStar they would provide an update on WIC funding soon, but no further statement was issued by publication time.
What’s Next
With no resolution in sight, state and local organizations are bracing for potential food insecurity across Indiana. Families are being urged to monitor official updates from FSSA and USDA, as contingency plans may shift depending on federal negotiations.
If the shutdown continues into November, Indiana may need to activate emergency measures or seek state-level funding alternatives to ensure that no household loses access to basic food assistance.
