Local organizations mobilizing, but help is needed
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The federal government shutdown is no longer just a political battle. Starting Nov. 1, people in communities across the nation will begin to suffer in the worst way. They’re going to go hungry.
SNAP benefits, still referred to colloquially as “food stamps,” will end Nov. 1, and that means thousands of people in Howard and Tipton counties no longer will have government assistance in obtaining food. The impact will spread well beyond those who had the benefit, and local organizations and governmental units are scrambling to prepare for the looming crisis.
Already, entities like the Howard County Food Alliance are meeting to ensure food is available. Bethany Wenger, Public Health Projects Director for the Howard County Health Department, is one of those working to meet the need. She explained the scope of the crisis ahead.
“According to the USDA website, food stamps – SNAP benefits -- will not be distributed come November 1,” said Wenger. “In Howard County, we know that as of September we had 4,971 households receiving SNAP benefits. That’s 10,292 individuals. And we know that the total assistance was $1,984,359 in September.
“So, that’s about $2 million of SNAP dollars that are not going to be going to our local grocery stores, our local economy. It’s going to be both the people receiving benefits and the local economy that’s going to be suffering as a result of this, and as of right now, we have no reason to believe that it’s going to be resolved soon. So, we’re planning for the worst and hoping for the best by launching this rapid response feeding program.”
Wenger explained that the program will operate similarly to what the community did to address the State of Indiana ending food benefits to school children this summer. Organizations across the county are coming together to try to meet the need. But the crisis caused by the suspension of SNAP benefits is many times larger than the one caused this summer. According to Derick Steele, executive director of the Kokomo Housing Authority, the need will be enormous.
The Kokomo Kiwanis Club recently volunteered to pack Buddy Bags for area school children. Similar processing efforts will take place across the community as SNAP benefits cease on Nov. 1.
“The research shows that for every dollar of food assistance a community receives, the economic impact is somewhere around $1.80,” said Steele. “So, that $1.9 million actually has a $3.5 million economic impact on Howard County. That money will be non-existent come November 1. That’s jobs. That’s revenue. That’s taxes.
“It is a substantial negative impact from the lack of SNAP. It will impact more than just the individuals not receiving food. Everyone in this community will feel the effects of this in some way over the next 30 days.”
Steele estimated that the efforts currently being made to blunt the worst of the impact won’t come close to feeding the more than 10,000 people who will be without benefits starting next week. And those who will suffer from food insecurity in the wake of those SNAP dollars not being spent at local businesses will drive that number higher.
“About 92 percent of this community’s food assistance comes from these federal programs,” said Steele. “Only about eight percent is coming from the private sector, nonprofits, food pantries, and churches. So, even if we had every food pantry double in size, we’re not touching that 92 percent.”
Currently, local community leaders are working through the problem. The City of Kokomo, Howard County Emergency Management, the United Way Serving Howard and Tipton Counties, and a boatload of pantries, churches, and nonprofits are lining up to help.
Churches like St. Andrews Episcopal and nonprofits like the Carver Community Center are offering space to process and store food, or even serve as distribution sites. The Community Foundation of Howard County is gearing up to provide some financial assistance, and the City of Kokomo is devoting space and resources to help. And the Howard County Food Alliance is actively engaged in providing assistance.
But it is going to take everyone to get through this food crisis, Wenger said. Given that the economic losses incurred by the SNAP suspension will affect many people who don’t currently receive the benefit, the food distribution centers will not turn away anyone in need, she stated. But what is available today will not be enough. The effort will need donations of food and funds, and volunteers are needed just as much.
“We are confirming different distribution sites which will serve throughout the community,” said Wenger. “They will receive bags of pre-packed meal kits from us. But we need volunteers to pack the bags and transport them. Extra hands never hurt. And we need additional sites willing to serve.
“We’re limited for volunteers. We’re limited for resources. We’re limited in financial assistance to be able to purchase additional and provide additional resources.”
The plan is to have the emergency food sites up and running by Wed., Nov. 5. The existing food pantries and nonprofits offering food assistance will continue to operate on their normal schedules for the time being.
The United Way will serve as the coordinating entity when it comes to donations. Designated financial gifts to the feeding program can be made in person by visiting in person, 125 N. Buckeye, 2nd floor, or by calling 765-457-4357. They can also assist in directing volunteers to where they will be needed. Destinations for donated food items are still being established and will be disclosed as soon as possible.
Those in need are reminded that applications for the Kokomo Rescue Mission’s Red Ribbon Christmas Boxes are currently being accepted through Nov. 6. Those interested are encouraged to visit Grace United Methodist Church, 219 W. Mulberry St., on Thu., Oct. 30, or Fri., Oct. 31, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Applicants need to bring a current government-issued ID card for all adults in the household, Social Security cards and birth certificates or proof of birth for all household members, and proof of household income.
The Rescue Mission also will hold a free Thanksgiving dinner on Thu., Nov. 27, from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The service is drive-thru or grab ‘n go at Grace United Methodist Church, 219 W. Mulberry St. Delivery within the Kokomo city limits can be arranged by calling 765-456-3838 between Nov. 3 and Nov. 24 during normal business hours.
Additional methods for connecting to the feeding program will be made available over the next few days as the response evolves.
As of Oct. 29, these are the food pantries currently operating in Howard and Tipton counties, according to the United Way’s Information and Referral service.
(Listed by days of operation)
Open 24/7
Little Free Pantry, 403 Oak St., Tipton. Open 24/7. Offering non-perishable food items, personal hygiene items, and cleaning items.
West Street Christian Church, 132 N. West St., Tipton. Little Free Pantry and Hygiene Pantry, stocked daily.
MONDAY
Tipton County Family Resource Center, 3021 W, Old State Road 26, Tipton. Mondays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Call 765-667-7001 for information.
The ConneXion Church, 700 E. Southway Blvd., 1-3 p.m. Recipients must live within the boundaries of Markland Avenue, State Road 26, Goyer Road and Park Road. Call 765-453-0555 for information.
Fresh Start Ministries, 801 W. Mulberry St., 1-3 p.m. Call 765-452-3308 for information.
Hands of Grace, 2012 S. Goyer Road. Mondays from 4-6 p.m. Proof of address required. Call 765-414-2783 for information.
Rock Prairie Church, 421 Ash St., Tipton. Third Monday of the month (Nov. 17). Call 765-675-4588 for information.
Saint Vincent DePaul, 1207 N. Armstrong St., Monday evenings from 6-8 p.m. Call 765-450-3143 for information.
TUESDAY
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1385 S. Main St., Tipton. Tuesdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Ring the bell. Food will be brought to the door. Call 765-675-4090 for information.
New Hope Church, 346 S, 00EW. First Tuesday of the month (Nov. 4), from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Also, the third Tuesday of the month (Nov. 18) for residents aged 60+, from 10 a.m. until noon. Call 765-453-1566 for information.
Tipton County Family Resource Center, 3021 W, Old State Road 26, Tipton. Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Call 765-667-7001 for information.
Tzion Ministries 614 W. Monroe St. First and third Tuesdays (Nov. 4, Nov. 18) from 1-3 p.m. Call 765-431-9249 for information.
New Life Church, 1803 E. Vaile Ave. Second Tuesday of the month (Nov. 11) from 1-3 p.m. Also, the fourth Tuesday of the month (Nov. 25) from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call 765-459-5067 for information.
Beulah Land Church, 6569 N, 400 W, Sharpsville. Third Tuesday of the month (Nov. 18) from 3-5 p.m. Call 765-461-7349 for information.
Good Shepherd Food Pantry, 120 Fourth St., Tipton. First and third Tuesdays (Nov. 4, Nov. 18) from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Call 765-675-6227 for information.
WEDNESDAY
Samaritan Love Center, 124 W. Elm St., Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m. Call 765-453-5673 for information.
Saint Vincent DePaul, 1207 N. Armstrong St., Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 765-450-3143 for information.
Good Shepherd Food Pantry, 120 Fourth St., Tipton. Second and fourth Wednesdays (Nov. 12, Nov. 26) from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call 765-675-6227 for information.
Hands of Grace, 2012 S. Goyer Road, Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. Proof of address required. Call 765-414-2783 for information.
Kemp United Methodist Church, 228 N. Main St., Tipton. Meal provided the first Wednesday of each month (Nov. 5) from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Windfall Christian Church, 211 N. Independence St., Windfall. Meals served each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. during the school year. Also, a small stocked pantry located on the east side of the church.
THURSDAY
The Salvation Army, 1105 S. Waugh St. Thursdays from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m. Bring a piece of mail and ID as proof of address. Available to the first 25-30 families only. Call 765-456-3846 for information.
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1385 S. Main St., Tipton. Thursdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Ring the bell. Food will be brought to the door. Call 765-675-4090 for information.
Tipton County Family Resource Center, 3021 W, Old State Road 26, Tipton. Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Call 765-667-7001 for information.
Kempton Christian Church, 202 W. Washington St., Kempton. Meals served each Thursday from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Outdoor food pantry also offered. Call 765-947-5176 for information.
Saint Vincent DePaul, 1207 N. Armstrong St., Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. Call 765-450-3143 for information.
FRIDAY
The Salvation Army, 1105 S. Waugh St. Fridays from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m. Bring a piece of mail and ID as proof of address. Available to the first 25-30 families only. Call 765-456-3846 for information.
Hillsdale Community Church, 4893 E, 100 N. Fridays from 12-3 p.m. Must be a Howard County resident. Call 765-452-0409 for information.
Tzion Ministries, 614 W. Monroe St. Fridays from 1-3 p.m. Fresh produce. Bring a box or bag. Call 765-431-9249 for information.
SATURDAY
Crossroads Church, 4254 S, 00 EW, The third Saturday of each month (Nov. 15) from 9-11:30 a.m. Call 765-453-4626 for information.
Grace Baptist Church, 2818 S. Park Road. Third Saturday of the month (Nov. 15) from 9-11:30 a.m., and the last Saturday of the month (Nov. 29) from 8-10 a.m. Bring Social Security card for identification. Call 765-453-0839 for information.
SUNDAY
Fresh Start Ministries, 801 W. Mulberry St. Sunday from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Bring proof of address and ID. Call 765-452-3308 for information.
BY APPOINTMENT
Center Township Trustee’s Hand Up Pantry, 213 E. Jefferson St. Call 765-452-8259 or visit the office to make an appointment.
Kokomo Rescue Mission, 321 W. Mulberry St. Call 765-456-3838 to make appointments for Tuesdays or Thursdays.
The United Way’s Information and Referral Program will have the latest information on food resources as it becomes available. Call 765-457-4357 for additional information.