With the federal government halting the issuance of November SNAP benefits, Indianapolis-based community organizations are scrambling to manage an expected surge in demand.
Triana ‘Tre’ Moore, of the Indianapolis-based nonprofit Trusting the Process, noted that the benefit pause will be a “huge deal” for families in Indianapolis and across the nation who depend on crucial food assistance. This disruption, coupled with the holiday season, has intensified the need for immediate, local solutions.
When asked about immediate alternatives for families, Moore was able to point to at least one active local resource already stepping up its efforts. He specifically mentioned Lakeview Church near Rockville Road on the west side of Indianapolis.
“Lakeview Church will be doing a few things, such as a food bank, providing to those on a first-come come first basis,” Moore told the Indianapolis Recorder. Moore went on to say that it is “a great opportunity” for the west side community to secure food for their children.
Lakeview Church’s food bank is only one example of how local charities, pantries and food banks are now the primary safety net for a population whose federal benefits have been delayed. The onus has shifted to local support systems, with Moore stressing the importance of looking around for help.
Moore also pointed out the emotional toll on families: “To know that during this holiday season, when families are supposed to be together, a lot of families are going to be ripped apart because of the SNAP situation. It is a sad situation. Children should not go hungry.”
Churches shift focus to feeding families
Pastor Winterbourne Harrison-Jones of Witherspoon Presbyterian Church said the cuts to SNAP funding are more than a political issue, but rather a “moral and theological” one.
“This cuts to the core of what it means to be human and the ‘unalienable rights’ every American deserves,” Harrison-Jones said in an email to the Recorder. “The constant misinformation regarding who this affects is disheartening, and yet Witherspoon remains unwavering in its commitment to walk alongside families in need.”
While the church does collect donations for The Lords Pantry, a joint ministry with St. Monica Catholic Church, Harrison-Jones said Witherspoon is “steering our congregational resources to other nonprofits on the front line and opening our doors for support programs which support recreation, mental health and education.”
“Together, we can create the necessary safety nets for the most vulnerable members of our community while at the same time fulfilling our higher creedal commitment to the Beloved Community God has called us to be,” Harrison-Jones said.
However, as the holidays approach, it’s important to remember that no Hoosier is alone. Witherspoon is just one entity in a vast network of religious bodies, nonprofits and private sector partners throughout Indianapolis working to help those in need, Harrison-Jones said.
Even now, local food banks, churches, and businesses — such as Keller & Keller, Mozel Sanders, The Good Samaritan Network, Indy Juneteenth and The International District Community Center — are already gathering donations and volunteers to cook and distribute free turkeys or hot meals to families in need for Thanksgiving.
“Every Hoosier deserves the comfort of a warm place to lay their heads, nourishing food, safety and dignity,” Harrison-Jones added. “For nearly two centuries, this has been our Call as a congregation, and we remain unwavering in our commitment to do our part.”
Finding food in Indy
With many Hoosiers experiencing the sudden end of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, local food pantries and community organizations are working to meet rising demand. For Indianapolis residents struggling to keep food on the table, several verified sites across the city are offering free groceries and prepared meals—no application required.
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana – Community Cupboard
3737 Waldemere Ave., Indianapolis | gleaners.org
One of the largest food distributors in the state, Gleaners Food Bank operates the Community Cupboard on the city’s southwest side. The drive-thru pantry provides groceries, fresh produce and household staples to anyone in need. The pantry is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 2–6 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Boulevard Place Food Pantry
3001 E. 30th St., Indianapolis | svdpindy.org
Boulevard Place Food Pantry offers weekly grocery distribution, including fresh produce, canned goods and proteins. The pantry serves individuals and families regardless of income verification or previous SNAP status. Hours are Tuesday 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Mid-North Food Pantry
3333 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis | midnorthfoodpantry.org
Located near downtown, Mid-North Food Pantry supplies supplemental groceries and personal-care items. The organization encourages first-time visitors to bring a photo ID but does not require proof of income. The pantry is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Crooked Creek Food Pantry
6940 N. Michigan Rd., Suite 160, Indianapolis | ccfpindy.org
Operating inside the Eskenazi Health Center Pecar, Crooked Creek Food Pantry runs a drive-thru service for families and individuals who need immediate food assistance. The pantry is open Wednesday from 3–6 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Midwest Food Bank – Indianapolis Division
6450 S. Belmont Ave., Indianapolis | midwestfoodbank.org
While Midwest Food Bank primarily supports smaller pantries throughout Marion County, it also hosts direct community distributions on occasion. Residents can visit the website to find affiliated sites across the city and confirm availability before visiting.
Across Indianapolis, the number of households seeking food support continues to rise as SNAP benefits lapse. Local organizations are urging anyone in need to reach out early in the week, bring reusable bags if possible and check pantry hours before arriving to ensure assistance.
For more information or news tips, contact newsroom@indyrecorder.com. View more news here.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver. He is also the owner and founder of Horsemen Sports Media.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
