The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana recently launched its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), funded by a $15,000 grant from the Legacy Foundation and additional funding from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA.) SNAP provides access to food to nearly 800,000 Hoosiers, including working families, seniors, and other vulnerable individuals who are struggling to regularly put food on the table.
“Legacy Foundation is pleased to continue supporting the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana by helping fund SNAP expansion. SNAP serves as our first line of defense against hunger. Increasing participation in SNAP will reduce food insecurity and improve the overall strength and health of our communities” said Kelly Anoe, Vice President of Legacy Foundation.
“The pandemic revealed the countless number of individuals and families in need of food assistance”, said Victor A. Garcia, CEO of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. This partnership with Legacy Foundation and FSSA allows us to connect families to an ongoing source of food support through SNAP benefits”.
SNAP replaced food stamps as one of the nation’s protections against hunger. The Food Bank’s SNAP Outreach Program provides application assistance, education, and outreach to help individuals overcome participation barriers.
“There are so many people who are unaware that they qualify for SNAP benefits”, said Krystle Simmons, SNAP Outreach Specialist for the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. “Through our SNAP outreach and application efforts, the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana connects eligible individuals to with regular access to food”.
The SNAP Outreach Specialist hosts information sessions and attends community events to connect people to potential benefits. Individuals are guided through the eligibility and application process and provides education on the use of benefits.
“As a former SNAP recipient, I know first-hand how essential the benefits are in securing food for your household”, said Simmons. SNAP was a tremendous blessing to me and my family when we needed it most. I feel humbled to assist people in applying for SNAP because I know exactly how much it helps”, said Simmons.
To find out more about SNAP eligibility, visit: foodbanknwi.org/snap
About Legacy Foundation
Legacy Foundation is the community foundation for Lake County, Indiana. Our goal is to offer a personalized approach to giving that enables individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to create a charitable legacy. With over 300 funds and $60 million in assets, we have become the trusted source for philanthropic giving in the region. To find out more, visit: https://legacyfdn.org.
