Also, Century Villa holds food drive; Duke Energy gives grants to feed community
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The Center Township Trustee’s Office understand that the temporary reduction in food stamp (SNAP) benefits is creating hardship for many families in the community. It is committed to doing everything within its ability to ensure that no one goes hungry during this time.
The township’s Hand Up Food Pantry will remain open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Fridays from 9-11 a.m. If these hours don’t are inaccessible, those needing other arrangements are asked to call the township office at 765-452-8259 and leave your name and message. The office will make arrangements for individualized food access.
The Hand Up Pantry can serve individuals and families both inside and outside of Center Township. However, food voucher assistance is available to Center Township residents, requiring an application and review process. Normally, vouchers are reserved for those not receiving SNAP or those with a pending case. Given the current situation, the township has declared these cases eligible for emergency assistance once their available SNAP funds have been expended.
The township is aware that the state has not released November SNAP funds, which may leave many residents without their regular food assistance. In such cases, Center Township can step in to provide temporary food vouchers to ensure no household goes without food.
Weekly voucher amounts are based on household size, need, and township income guidelines. The goal is to ensure every family has food on the table until the federal benefit situation is resolved.
For those wishing to donate food or funds to help Center Township serve more families, donations can be dropped off at: Center Township Trustee’s Office, 213 E. Jefferson St., Kokomo, IN 46901
Commonly needed items include: pasta and pasta sauce, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables, beans, soups, and other shelf-stable foods.
Together, we can make sure our neighbors get through this difficult time. Thank you for your compassion and support.
Century Villa holds food drive
In response to the rising need for food following the suspension of governmental SNAP benefits, Century Villa Health Care & Rehabilitation of Greentown is holding a food drive. Their effort is part of the Howard County Feeding Program currently underway in the community.
Century Villa, located at 705 N. Meridian St., will accept store-bought canned goods and shelf-stable food items from now through Dec. 10. Donors are asked to deliver their items to the donation table located at the nurse’s station within the facility.
Each week, these items will be collected and distributed to those in need within the greater Greentown and Howard County communities.
Duke Energy joins the fight against hunger
The Duke Energy Foundation is contributing a total of $207,000 in shareholder-funded grants to organizations across the company’s Indiana service territory to support hunger relief efforts. This includes seven grants for nonprofits in north central Indiana.
As colder weather and the holidays approach, many Hoosier families turn to assistance programs that help support those facing hunger. But those programs are facing challenges of their own to support this tremendous need.
“These organizations are consistently there for Hoosiers when hardships arise,” said Stan Pinegar, president, Duke Energy Indiana. “There’s often an increased need for their services during the holiday season, and we’re grateful to collaborate with them and boost their positive impact on our local communities.”
To help meet those needs, the Duke Energy Foundation has devoted funds to local nonprofits. Food Finders Food Bank serving Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami and Tipton counties has received two separate grants totaling $10,250 to support its mobile food pantries
The Family Service Association of Howard County also received a grant of $5,000 to purchase food for domestic violence victims living in organization’s shelter
“In 2024 alone, we served more than 11,000 meals to 430 adults and children fleeing abuse and seeking safety,” said Angie Ciski, executive director, Family Service Association of Howard County. “This tremendous support from Duke Energy will help us continue to support victims of domestic violence in our community.”
With this latest round of grants, the Duke Energy Foundation has devoted $311,000 this year for hunger relief and other basic needs in Indiana’s communities.