Second Harvest warns of SNAP disruption, urges donations and volunteers

Sunny Matters of Second Harvest Food Bank addressed the board during public comment on Nov. 3, warning that a potential federal shutdown could suspend SNAP benefits for thousands in East Central Indiana and Delaware County and that the resulting gap would overwhelm charitable food resources.

"For every meal that we provide, nine meals are provided by SNAP," Sunny Matters said, urging the county and residents to amplify the need and support local food distribution and volunteers. The food bank reported serving roughly 430 cars at a recent distribution and said drive-up demand had risen about 40 percent.

Second Harvest said it has waived delivery fees for partner agencies, increased mobile distributions and was working to secure donated food and fund purchases. The speaker encouraged donations because the food bank’s buying power makes cash donations more efficient than retail food drives. "$5 provides up to 20 meals," a flyer cited by the speaker said.

Commissioners acknowledged the appeal and encouraged donations and volunteer assistance at Second Harvest distribution sites.