(Statewide) – Indiana could soon face a multi-million dollar question: how to cover food assistance for its residents if proposed federal changes to SNAP go through.
A Proposed federal legislation could mean significant cuts to food assistance for hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers. The bill could shift $356 million in SNAP benefit costs from the federal government to Indiana, potentially impacting over 600,000 residents.
Fred Glass, President and CEO of Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, said in a statement issued Monday Afternoon, “Proposed legislation now making its way through Congress would create a needless, self-inflicted humanitarian and economic disaster for Indiana and the country. For many Hoosiers and other Americans, most of whom have jobs to try to make ends meet, SNAP is a key part of them keeping their heads above water.”
Food stamps — formerly known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP — are among proposed cuts, which could be as large as $300 billion, the Gleaners release says.
If funds are cut the state could see a potential loss of 133 million meals. Food banks like Gleaners are already seeing increased demand and are concerned they won’t be able to fill the gap if the bill passes. They stress the potential loss of 133 million meals for families, children, and seniors. The debate continues this week on how these proposed changes would ultimately impact Hoosier taxpayers and those relying on food assistance.
(Story by Network Indiana)
