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Food Pantries Prepare for Surge in Demand as SNAP Benefits Face Uncertain Future
24 Oct
Summary
- SNAP benefits may be cut off as soon as next week due to government shutdown
- Food pantries in Mishawaka have seen a rise in the number of people they serve this week
- Feeding Indiana's Hungry executive warns food banks cannot fill the gap if SNAP is disrupted
On October 25, 2025, the ongoing government shutdown is continuing to impact food assistance programs in the United States. Many are preparing for the possibility of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits being cut off as soon as next week.
Just this week, food pantries in Mishawaka, Indiana have noticed an increase in the number of people they are serving. This trend could continue if SNAP benefits are stopped on November 1st, as the shutdown remains unresolved. SNAP covers a wide range of food items, from fresh produce to meat and dairy.
Emily Weikert Bryant, the Executive Director of Feeding Indiana's Hungry, explains that there are several variables at play, and the USDA has not provided firm answers on what will happen to SNAP benefits. She says one of three scenarios could occur: Congress could reopen the government before November 1st, a contingency fund from the USDA could fund complete or partial benefits, or SNAP could be disrupted.
The Mishawaka Food Pantry has been serving 35 to 50 people per day, but they have noticed an increase of 7 to 10 new people this week. The executive director, Lou Ann Hazen, believes this could be tied to the impending SNAP cutoff or the ongoing shutdown.
Food banks and pantries are preparing to welcome more people if SNAP benefits are stopped. However, Weikert Bryant warns that this is not a sustainable solution, as SNAP provides nine meals for every one meal provided by food banks. She emphasizes that food banks were not intended to fill the gap left by a disruption in SNAP.
