Bloomington, Indiana – As the federal government shutdown continues to disrupt essential programs, the City of Bloomington has announced an emergency response to help keep food flowing to families in need. The city is providing $46,000 in emergency funding to the Hoosier Hills Food Bank (HHFB) to help sustain food access for thousands of residents across south-central Indiana who are affected by the temporary suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The shutdown has halted SNAP assistance for more than 16,000 individuals in HHFB’s six-county service region, which includes Monroe County. For many households, these benefits are a critical resource for putting food on the table, and their sudden pause has left local food programs facing a sharp increase in demand.
To address this growing need, Bloomington’s emergency funds will support the November Emergency Response Plan launched by Hoosier Hills Food Bank. The plan outlines an effort to purchase and distribute approximately 330,000 pounds of food—the equivalent of 275,000 meals—through the organization’s mobile food pantries and its network of 84 partner agencies. The goal is to make sure that nutritious meals remain available for individuals and families facing a temporary loss of federal food assistance.
“Food access is essential for community health and stability,” said CFRD Director Shatoyia Moss. “Our city is acting quickly to help ensure that families, seniors, and individuals continue to have what they need during this period of uncertainty. We’re deeply grateful for the leadership and commitment of Hoosier Hills Food Bank and the many partners who make this work possible.”
Mayor Kerry Thomson echoed the city’s commitment to stepping up during times of federal disruption. “No one should go hungry because of gridlock in Washington,” said Mayor Thomson. “When national systems are disrupted, local governments and our community partners hold the line. Bloomington will always step forward to respond, take action, and care for our neighbors and the communities we serve.”
The city’s contribution joins other local and national efforts already in motion to reinforce food security in the region. The Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, the Smithville Charitable Foundation, Feeding America, and several other local organizations have all pledged support to help HHFB manage the surge in food demand caused by the federal shutdown.
Together, these combined funds will allow Hoosier Hills Food Bank to purchase ten semi-truck loads of staple food items, including peanut butter, fresh produce, potatoes, frozen turkeys, and non-perishable food boxes. These supplies will help keep pantry shelves stocked and ensure that essential food items reach residents in every part of the service area.
For HHFB, the partnership highlights the power of collaboration during uncertain times. With federal benefits suspended, local agencies and governments are stepping up to make sure that no one in Monroe County or the surrounding region has to choose between paying bills and eating.
Residents seeking food assistance can locate nearby pantries, mobile distribution events, and meal sites by visiting hhfoodbank.org/find-food or by calling Hoosier Hills Food Bank directly at 812-334-8374.
As winter approaches and the shutdown’s effects ripple through communities, Bloomington’s quick response underscores a simple but powerful message — when federal systems stall, local compassion and action keep hope alive.
