With the joy and celebration that comes with the holiday season, it can also be a time of stress for families in need. The impending winter means a lot of families need support to get by. Food banks are a useful resource to help families that have to choose between groceries and keeping the heat on.
According to Feeding America, 47 million people face food insecurity. In addition, the Global Network Against Food Crises, more than 295 million people faced acute hunger last year.
Locally, there are many food banks and pantries for families in need, including the Come To Me Food Pantry at United Methodist Church. Come To Me serves around 75 families a week and has over 100 volunteers.
“As an expression of our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve residents of Hamilton County who are in need,” director Karyn Mitchel said. “We believe everyone deserves access to healthy, nutritious food.”
Come To Me Food Pantry, like most food pantries, experiences a higher need for food donations in the winter, as more families have trouble providing food on the table. In November and December, Come To Me’s number of families they provide for increase from around 75 to around 110, according to Mitchel.
Besides the seasonal weather, another reason for the increased need for food pantries is the fluctuating status of SNAP benefits.
“The first week after SNAP benefits were put on hold, we served 128 families, which was around 50 more than usual,” Mitchel said. “Many of those families were visiting our food pantry for the first time.”
Currently, SNAP benefits will be issued to eligible recipients starting Sunday, Nov. 16, according to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. (FSSA)
Some students at Fishers High School have objections to the way the government has handled SNAP benefits during the the government shutdown.
“I feel it’s a failure of the government to support its less fortunate citizens and shows a lack of realness within our government officials and a lack of them understanding the needs of the people to govern,” senior Caylee Lucente said.
However, in the meantime, people can help end food hunger by donating to food banks and volunteering at food drives and pantries.
“We put all items donated to good use,” said Mitchel. “Some of our most needed items include chunky soup, canned fruit, and coffee (regular and decaf).”
If you need food or resources, please visit Feeding America or a local food pantry, such as Midwest Food Bank, Good Samaritan Network, or Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank.
