NEW ALBANY, Ind. —

The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana is awarding $33,000 in grants to six food pantries across Clark and Floyd counties — $5,500 to each pantry — just days after SNAP benefits resumed following the government shutdown.

“We had seen 300 more people in the month of October than we saw in October of 2024, and we have seen over 1,800 client visits in the month of October,” said Kara Brown, director of the Center for Lay Ministries.

“During the shutdown, we saw some government employees come in for help. We saw people who don't normally come to the food pantry,” Brown said. “People are recognizing that need and reacting. That is amazing to see.”

Crystal Melcher, vice president of the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, said the foundation’s board has respond

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