With Indiana preparing to issue only partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton announced Monday a sweeping local relief effort to protect families from going hungry.
The city’s “Gary SNAPS Into Action” plan is a $275,000 emergency response package combining city funds, corporate contributions, and philanthropic support to stabilize food access for thousands of residents who depend on SNAP.
“This uncertainty isn’t just about paperwork, it’s about whether you can put food on the table for your children,” Melton said. “While we are advocating fiercely for a resolution in Washington, we are not waiting for Washington to act.”
Gov. Mike Braun’s office confirmed late last week that Indiana will issue only 65% of November’s SNAP benefits, following limited federal disbursements approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture amid the shutdown. That means tens of thousands of Hoosier households — many already struggling — will receive only a portion of their usual monthly food assistance.
A Capital B Gary analysis of state data found that nearly 38% of Gary residents, or almost 2 in 5 people, receive SNAP benefits — the highest share in Northwest Indiana.
The state’s announcement came as congressional leaders struck a tentative bipartisan deal to end the federal government shutdown, a standoff that has lasted weeks and disrupted everything from housing vouchers to federal nutrition programs. While national lawmakers appear close to restoring operations, local officials say the damage is already being felt.
“We’re talking about people’s actual lives,” said City Council President Lori Latham. “When our families are vulnerable, local government must step up — and that’s exactly what this plan does.”
Under the Gary SNAPS Into Action plan, most of the funding will flow directly to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, which will expand emergency food distribution across Gary. Additional mini-grants will go to local nonprofits, churches, and neighborhood groups that serve specialized populations.
“The Food Bank and our agency partners are ready to build on our capacity to provide even more nutrition to the community,” said Victor A. Garcia, the food bank’s president and CEO. “This is what compassion in action looks like.”
In addition to the emergency food funding, the city will forgive current late fees for Gary Sanitary District customers and suspend new ones through 2025. A portion of the new relief dollars will also support the city’s annual Thanksgiving food giveaway, ensuring families can celebrate the holiday with a meal on the table. Melton said city employees will be mobilized to volunteer alongside residents in local food distribution efforts, reinforcing what he called a community-wide commitment to helping one another through the crisis.
Melton called on residents to volunteer and assist neighbors who may be facing food insecurity in the weeks ahead.
“We are greater together,” he said. “We will continue to advocate, we will continue to partner, and we will continue to ensure that no family goes hungry.”
Volunteers and organizations can apply for mini-grants or join food distribution efforts through gary.gov.
A lesser known source of assistance in Indiana are township offices, a point of particular importance to state Rep. Ed DeLaney, who looked to township officials across the state to tap into their reserves for people in need.
“I call on our 1,000 township trustees to use their substantial reserve funds to provide food assistance for SNAP-eligible households,” he said. “According to a memo from the Indiana Township Association, there is a legal basis for township trustees to provide food assistance in emergency conditions, such as a disruption to federal benefits.”
For Gary residents, Calumet Township will host a food distribution Nov. 20 at the Calumet Township Multipurpose Center, at 1900 W. 41st Ave. in Gary.
“We’ve strengthened our infrastructure, modernizing how we deliver services, expanding access to service, enhancing community partnerships, and positioning the township to be more responsive and effective,” Trustee Tai Adkins said. “Our goal is to meet increased needs with strategic, coordinated action.”
