Hunger Rises as Congress Considers Cutting Food Aid

The legislation aimed at reducing government spending could cut hundreds of billions of dollars in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), causing concerns among food banks. At Gleaner's Food Bank of Indiana, President and CEO Fred Glass said that if the bill passes, "The responsibility to provide $356 million in SNAP benefits will shift from the federal government to the Indiana state government."

If the state can't provide that support, Glass warned that Hoosiers in need could lose 133 million meals. That's more than the 108 million meals food banks across Indiana provided last year.

Rebecca Pardue, President & Founder of Humble Impressions Food Bank, echoed concerns about the potential impact on her community. "I've been there. And I know what it was like to struggle. And to lose everything I had," she said.

Pardue has personal experience with hunger and food insecurity. She founded Humble Impressions 13 years ago after going through a difficult time in her own life. Despite the challenges, Pardue's pantry is now helping thousands of people each week. "Started out with 20. Family that showed, and now we're gosh, I don't have a head count, but we have a lot. Probably 500, 600 a week," she said.

The CEO of Gleaners emphasized the importance of SNAP benefits for Hoosiers relying on them. "For context, last year Indiana's 11 food banks, all together, provided 108 million meals to Hoosiers facing hunger. Indiana's food banks will simply not be able to replace 133 million meals. The more than 610,000 of our fellow Hoosiers who rely on SNAP, including 264,000 children and 82,000 senior citizens, will likely lose all or some of their SNAP benefits and simply not have enough to eat," Glass said.

Pardue's concerns are deeply personal. "Honey, it's a joy. It's a joy to serve and to help others in need,” she said. "We as a people need to do a little bit more than what we're doing. As far as giving, sharing. That's a joy in my heart knowing that I'm helping thousands of people a week."