Urgent Survey Reveals Hoosiers’ Reliance on Food Banks: Advocates Demand Legislative Action Now

Many people in Indiana are struggling with hunger. A recent survey by Feeding Indiana’s Hungry revealed that 70% of those they serve skipped meals because they didn’t have enough food. This isn’t just a statistic; it affects real lives.

Emily Weikert Bryant, the executive director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, highlighted that over half of the people relying on food banks were employed at some point last year. “Most folks are working or trying to, but it’s just a lack of resources,” she said. For many, the choice often comes down to paying for food or other essential needs.

The survey showed alarming trends: 68% of respondents had to decide between paying for utilities or buying food. Additionally, 58% faced the tough choice of paying rent versus buying groceries. This speaks volumes about the financial strain many families are under.

Interestingly, nearly two-thirds of those surveyed do not participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Half of them felt they weren’t eligible for help, which raises questions about awareness and accessibility of these resources.

Weikert Bryant suggested that one way to combat hunger would be to remove the asset limit for SNAP eligibility. This change is currently being considered in the legislative session with Senate Bill 529.

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