SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – More than 40,000 people in Michiana who depend on SNAP benefits are trying to figure out how to pay for food amid the government shutdown, and the financial strain is affecting their ability to pay other bills as winter approaches.
Without federal assistance for people on SNAP, the money low-income Americans are using for food is likely eating into the money they need to pay their bills and keep the heat on.
Energy companies offer assistance
Local energy companies are offering assistance programs to help customers manage their bills during the colder months.
NIPSCO provides help through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and offers assistance programs for seniors, veterans and others in need of financial assistance.
“As the weather gets colder and customers use natural gas to heat their homes and businesses, that typically increases usage between November to March during those winter heating months compared to other seasons,” said Jessica Cantarelli, communications manager for NIPSCO. “Usage makes up the largest portion of the energy bill, so it’s important for our customers to be prepared for the winter heating season.”
Indiana Michigan Power also offers assistance programs. The company said in a statement that it encourages customers to apply for federal assistance funding and that customers may be eligible for state programs to reduce their monthly energy bills.
Indiana Michigan Power is working with customers to help them keep their service connected by offering flexible payment arrangements and providing information about other available assistance programs. We encourage customers to apply for federal assistance funding. Customers may also be eligible for state programs to reduce their monthly energy bills. Any customer who is having trouble paying their bill should contact us as soon as possible at 800-311-4634 to learn more about how we can help.
For energy assistance in Michigan, residents can call 2-1-1 to be connected with a provider. For Indiana, click here.
Beacon launches Food Relief Collaborative
Beacon Health System announced a new initiative this week to bring food directly to people in the hospital. With help from Cultivate Food Rescue, thousands of frozen meals will be distributed each week.
The program will provide 600 meals at Elkhart General Hospital and 600 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend.
“And in addition to that, we’re able to provide many grocery stores where they can come in and get different items as they see fit during certain hours,” said Kimberly Green Reeves, vice president of community impact and partnerships for Beacon Health System. “Our nutritional service teams are also doing their own food rescue for meals that are still able to be distributed to families.”
The Beacon Food Relief Collaborative launches next week. To learn more about it and how you can get help, click here.
For a larger list of places to find food in Michiana, click here.
Copyright 2025 WNDU. All rights reserved.