Food Bank anticipates higher demand as November SNAP benefits lapse

Photo: Aaron Doucett

With Indiana’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits set to lapse on November 1, the Washington County Food Bank is preparing for what could be a significant increase in local families needing food assistance.

“We do anticipate a surge in the number of families that will need food assistance come the 1st of November,” said Rhonda Tuttle, president of the Washington County Food Bank. “As a matter of fact, we are already seeing about four to five new families a week. We have no idea what our numbers will look like come November if families don’t receive food stamps.”

The food bank, located at 106 N Water Street in Salem, operates entirely with volunteers and is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families are asked to arrive by 2:15 p.m. so volunteers have enough time to prepare their food orders before closing. Those unable to come during open hours may designate a proxy (someone else who can pick up food on their behalf with permission).

To receive assistance, families must live in Indiana for at least one day and meet income guidelines based on household size. Anyone unsure of their eligibility can call the food bank at (812) 883-2655 for details.

Tuttle said the organization is in particular need of staple foods such as cereal, soups, rice, beans, canned goods, pasta, and boxed meals. Other helpful donations include small bags of flour and sugar, cooking oil or shortening, crackers, salt, pepper, and margarine. “Just about any kind of food that you would purchase for your family,” Tuttle said. “With the holidays coming, small hams or turkeys would be nice.”

Cash donations are also welcome. “We are having to purchase a great deal more meat than usual,” she added.

The food bank is also seeking additional volunteers to help distribute food and pick up donations from local stores through its partnership with Dare to Care. Morning drivers are especially needed between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., and in-house volunteers typically serve from 9 a.m. to noon or noon to 3 p.m.