SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - Local leaders have reactivated the St. Joseph County Emergency Food Initiative (EFI) in response to the anticipated disruption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Originally launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, the EFI will once again mobilize food banks, community organizations and local governments to help feed families across the county.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Portage Township officials concerned about potential disruption of SNAP benefits

With nearly 600,000 Indiana residents relying on SNAP each month, local leaders say the federal directive to halt November benefit distributions has created an urgent crisis.

“This is a chance for our community to show what we stand for,” said

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