Food Justice
SNAP Changes & What You Need to Know
Those strategies include analysis of current and proposed policies for the SNAP program, the largest anti-hunger program in the U.S, tool-kits to help individuals claim their rights, and impact litigation when necessary.
Within the anti-hunger space specifically, we have engaged immigrant communities and grassroots leaders to understand language and immigration access barriers to SNAP. This work is funded by MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger.
Our anti-hunger advocacy uses community guidance to design and execute impact strategies to help eliminate barriers in Hoosier receiving the food assistance they are entitled to.
Current Anti-Hunger Focus Areas
Documenting Federal & State Changes to SNAP
Immigrant SNAP Eligibility
Federal, State, & Administrative SNAP Advocacy
With All Available Legal & Policy Tools
Post-Legislative Implementation Advocacy
Previous Work
This explainer details the changes that the H.R.1 Bill is causing and what the changes mean for Hoosier SNAP enrollment, re-enrollment and eligibility. This includes internet exclusions and limits to utility deductions.
Furthermore, this explainer details the timeline for which these changes are expected or planned to be implemented.
Impacts of Federal & State Policies on SNAP
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The report details numerous opportunities available to improve access for LEP individuals applying for benefits, including the following key findings:
FSSA has, and continues to, engage in language access.
Stakeholder and community feedback will improve language access.
Removing Social Security Number as an identifier would increase access to the online Benefits Portal.
Adding new languages that are being frequently seen in the drop-down menu for translation of the online portal mitigates the administrative burden seen by beneficiaries and agency staff.
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This flyerdetails what to expect when you apply for SNAP benefits and the timeline of the process.
Guide To Navigating SNAP & Medicaid Appeals
This guide is designed to assist individuals receiving SNAP and/or Medicaid, legal advocates, community organizers, and individuals representing claimants in administrative appeals of benefits denials or changes.
The guide outlines key steps, strategies, and resources for ensuring claimants receive a fair hearing and a resolution that complies with federal and state SNAP & Medicaid regulations.
Is is Safe for Families to Participate in Medicaid & SNAP?
The one-pager details the new Indiana legislation changes to SNAP & Medicaid data reporting requirements and the impact it can have on Hoosier families.
*Available in SPANISH*
More Food Justice Work:
Frequently Asked Questions
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We know that navigating SNAP and other benefits programs can feel overwhelming at times, especially when problems come up. Here are some free resources available to help you right here in Indiana.
The Division of Family Resources (DFR) has a local office in every county across Indiana, so there is an office near you no matter where you live in the state. Staff at your local office can walk you through the application process and answer any questions you have along the way. You can find the address and directions to your nearest office on that same website at fssabenefits.in.gov.
If you need help filing a SNAP application and/or need food assistance in the meantime, you can contact:
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Please see our Impacts of Federal & State Policies on SNAP explainer.
It details what changes mean for Hoosier SNAP enrollment, re-enrollment and eligibility, and the timeline for which these changes are expected or planned to be implemented.
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If English is not your first language, you may need assistance with translation throughout your SNAP process. You have a right to request this assistance from FSSA. Please reach out to nmachicote@injp.org for assistance (depending on capacity).
Seek legal assistance (see below) if any State agency refuses translation assistance.
Indiana Legal Services, Inc. - provides free legal advice and representation to low-income Hoosiers on a variety of legal issues, including SNAP & Medicaid. To get help from ILS, you need to do an intake which can be found in their website or by phone at (844) 243- 8570.
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Please reach out to nmachicote@injp.org for more information.
