Indiana Families To Receive More SNAP Benefits In May

(UNDATED) – The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration announced two major changes for families receiving SNAP benefits, and they go into effect in May.

One of them brings more help to cover meal costs, the other an option to have groceries delivered.

Dr. Jennifer Sullivan says the first issues pandemic EBT benefits will go to those households receiving help from SNAP and non-SNAP homes. Those eligible households must have one or more school-aged children who receives free or reduced-rate meals at school, but have lost access to this food due to COVID-19 school closures.

Jennifer Sullivan, M.D., M.P.H.

“For households receiving SNAP benefits, the additional benefits will be added to their existing EBT cards,” Sullivan said. “Households not currently receiving SNAP benefits will receive a new Pandemic EBT card in the mail with benefits already added. You don’t have to do anything to receive these new benefits.”

Sullivan also released details about SNAP Delivery. This will allow those receiving SNAP benefits to use delivery services to bring food to them.

“Allowing individuals who have a high risk or a barrier with transportation access to safely receive their food,” Sullivan explained. “We have already authorized curbside pickup for SNAP, and this additional program is a welcome advancement that will continue permanently after the public health emergency.”

Indy Parks is also helping to meet the critical need of providing families with meals. Since mid-March, they have provided over 36,000 meals. Please visitwww.facebook.com/IndyParksFoodPrograms for information on dates, times and locations for meals.

Last summer, they offered food at 120 locations. They are still working on finalizing plans for this summer.