County combats SNAP pause

Even before some Wayne County residents learned they could lose food assistance benefits in November because of the federal government shutdown, long lines of vehicles gathered for regular food pantry giveaways across the community.

Now, several Wayne County organizations concerned about neighbors going hungry are banding together to boost existing social safety nets.

Who uses SNAP?

As more households struggle to make ends meet, a significant number of residents are being affected by the federal government’s pause in issuing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, formerly called food stamps, for groceries.

In 2024, 14.2% of Wayne County residents received SNAP, the third highest among Indiana’s 92 counties, according to a report with data compiled by Wayne County Foundation and Forward Wayne County. In 2023, the percentage of residents was 13.3%. 

13% of county residents experienced food insecurity last year, the report said.

“Like many communities across Indiana, we are seeing an increase in the number of ‘working poor,’” said Acacia St. John, program director for Forward Wayne County, when the report was shared in June.

According to WISH-TV, the majority of Indiana’s September SNAP recipients were families with kids, households with people who have disabilities and people 60 or older.

Wayne County’s percentage of households where residents are working but earning less than the basic cost of living increased from 27% to 30% in 2024, while the percentage of the county’s population living in poverty increased from 18% to 19%. The county’s unemployment rate rose to 4.5% from 3.1% in 2023. 

What’s happening locally?

The community is coming together to organize new and expanded efforts.

Wayne Township Trustee Susan Isaacs, whose office helps Richmond-area residents struggling financially, is working to secure financial gifts and volunteers to provide meals to children affected by the loss of SNAP. They’re expected to start in a couple of weeks. 

Those interested in volunteering can call 765-973-9392. Donations can be sent to the trustee’s office at P.O. Box 458, Richmond, IN 47375.

Several pantries work with food distributors to get discounted food, and gifts of food or dollars help them even more. While some organizations appreciate nonperishable foods or personal care products, it’s advised to check with potential recipients before starting food drives.

Gateway Hunger Relief Center is seeing increased demand and more volunteers are needed. They reported serving 194 families, including 607 children, on Friday, Oct. 31. In November, they’ll offer groceries for pickup once a week with proof of address between 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and Fridays, at 715 Sheridan St., Richmond. For more information, call 765-939-7100 or visit gatewayhungerrelief.org.

Special programs

• Cub Scout Pack 115 plans a food drive Wednesday, Nov. 5, near Trinity Lutheran, 2300 W. Main St., Richmond, north of Main. Donations should be outside by 6 p.m. They should be picked up by 7:30.
• Helping Young Professionals Engage Wayne County will volunteer at Circle U Help Center, 19 N. 13th St., Richmond, from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12. Help is needed; register at wcareachamber.org/events.
• Abilities Richmond Inc. is waiving November’s residential home rent for its individuals with disabilities impacted by SNAP benefit delays. Abilities also started a food/personal care products pantry for some participants and their families. Donations can be delivered during business hours to 831 N. E St., Richmond. 765-966-0066

Ongoing

• Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana rescues and preserves food in bulk from major retails and providers, and often provides giveaways in Wayne County. It can turn $1 into six meals. Give at give.gleaners.org/campaign/589963/donate or call 317-925-0191.
• Richmond Farmers Market is doubling SNAP/EBT dollars during 9 a.m.-noon Saturday markets, which moved to the Starr Gennett Building, 101 S. First St., starting Nov. 1.
• Weather-proof containers are scattered around Wayne County; donors and recipients can exchange nonperishable items anytime. Locations include 101 W. Main, alongside St. Paul Episcopal (800 N. A St.) and 855 N. 12th St., all in Richmond, and 112 S. Morton Ave. in Centerville.

Thanksgiving updates

The holidays can be a time of particular need. Circle U Help Center typically provides Thanksgiving Day dinners, but is pausing the tradition this year. According to the Richmond center’s website, Circle U won’t be able to offer meals on the holiday “due to circumstances beyond our control.” Leaders say they plan to resume Thanksgiving meals in 2026.

Other offerings include:

• St. Elizabeth of Hungary, 333 W. Maple St., Cambridge City, offers the annual Terry Cox Memorial Holiday Dinner for anyone 55 or older at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9. To-go orders are available upon request. It’s free, but reserve by Nov. 5 at 765-478-4579 or wwseniorcenter@comcast.net.
• Rock Solid Ministries is accepting 100 registrations for its 19th annual Thanksgiving basket giveaway. Signups are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 4 and 11 at 1024 E. Main St., Richmond. Bring a picture ID, mail confirming postal address, and Social Security cards for all in the home. Call 765-962-5099 for more information.
• Uncooked whole turkeys and sides will be offered Nov. 25 while supplies last at Central United Methodist Church, 1425 E. Main St., Richmond. The giveaway begins from 3-4 p.m. for Housing Authority of Richmond residents. It opens to the public at 4 p.m. Photo ID is required. Recipients must be 18 or older. One kit per household.

Township trustees

Wayne County has 15 township trustees who distribute aid to qualifying residents.

Firefly Children & Family Alliance provided this list of trustees:

• Abington: Steven Kaiser, 765-960-7704
• Boston: Sandra Nocton, 765-977-3498
• Center (Centerville area): Vicki Chasteen, 765-855-5105
• Clay (Greens Fork area): Mari Taube, 765-886-5002
• Dalton: Lance Lumpkin, 765-914-1148
• Franklin (Whitewater area): John Roll, 765-220-2501
• Green (Williamsburg area): Robert Conyers, 765-969-5094
• Harrison (Jacksonburg area): James Fagan, 765-944-5536
• Jackson (Cambridge City/Dublin/Pershing/Mount Auburn area): Lyndon Wicker, 765-478-4620
• Jefferson (Hagerstown area): Chris Lane, 765-489-4824
• New Garden (Fountain City area): Jeff Himelick, 765-847-2177
• Perry (Economy area): Dan Hollenberg, 765-886-1500
• Washington (Milton area): Ken Risch, 765-462-9964
• Wayne (Richmond/Spring Grove): Susan Isaacs, 765-973-9392
• Webster: George Haskett, 765-277-2880

A list of food pantries and other resources can be found on WWN’s Health and Support Resources list.