INDIANAPOLIS (Indiana News Service) - Indiana hunger is rising as more working families struggle to put food on the table.
The issue is simple: Costs keep climbing while wages lag and support programs are shrinking.
Kate Howe, executive director of the Indy Hunger Network, said the problem is spreading into everyday households.
“The increase in cost of everything – housing, utilities, gas, and of course food – the stagnation of wages, the difficult job market right now with unemployment increasing, has made it really hard for people to make ends meet,” Howe outlined.
A recent central Indiana study found 54% of households faced food insecurity at some point last year, including families above the poverty line. Critics of government spending argued assistance programs must be more targeted but hunger groups warned cuts are already tightening access.
Howe noted the reach of hunger may surprise people.
“Something people aren’t aware of is that in order to get SNAP or food stamps in Indiana, you have to be working,” Howe pointed out. “The people that are using these programs are working full-time jobs and sometimes two or three jobs to make ends meet and still can’t earn enough to pay their bills.”
Nonprofits said community donations are helping fill gaps, but they cautioned support may not keep pace if the economy worsens. They continue pushing for policy changes and stronger safety nets as demand grows across Indiana. Advocates are directing people to the free Community Compass app, which helps Hoosiers quickly find nearby food resources and support.
Joe Ulery wrote this article.