Evansville Area Eateries Offering Free Emergency Meals for Those Affected by the SNAP Benefit Freeze
USDA Announces SNAP Benefit Suspension
It was announced last week that the USDA will be suspending SNAP benefits starting November 1 because of the government shutdown.
SNAP is the program that provides food assistance to low-income families. In a letter sent by the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service, it said, “If the current lapse in appropriations continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the nation.” According to a memo obtained by CNN, “The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it will not tap into its $6 billion contingency fund to cover food stamp benefits next month if the shutdown continues.”
How Many Families SNAP Helps in Indiana and Kentucky
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, in 2024, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helped 610,700 Indiana residents, about 9% of the state’s population, and 595,200 Kentucky residents, about 13% of the state’s population. Comparatively, it helps 41.7 million people nationwide, or about 12% of the U.S. population.
Nationally, about 62% of participants were in families with children, 37% in families with older adults or people with disabilities, and 37% in working families. SNAP participation lifted about 104,000 Hoosiers, including 47,000 children, above the poverty line each year between 2015 and 2019. In Kentucky, SNAP benefited 94,000 people, including 37,000 children.
With the SNAP freeze coming, higher food prices, and rising utility bills, many local families aren’t sure how they’ll make ends meet or buy groceries.
Local Food Truck Launches Emergency Meal Fund
One local food truck has announced it will be stepping up to help and is inviting the community to contribute to a community emergency meal fund.
Tater Temptations, a baked potato truck based in Southern Indiana, shared this message on Facebook:
“Hey, Potato Heads — real talk for a second. With the government shutdown messing up SNAP benefits, some local families are about to be in a tough spot. I’m not okay with anyone in our community going hungry. I can’t promise to feed everyone, but if your family is in a true food emergency, DM us privately. We’ll see what we can do on a case-by-case basis — no embarrassment, no judgment. Just humans helping humans. And if we can’t personally help, we’ll do our best to point you toward local food resources and pantries. Nobody in our backyard goes hungry if we can help it.”
— Tater Temptations
Because need is expected to be high, they’ve also set up an emergency meal fund for the community to donate to.
“During the overnight hours, we’ve heard from families who will be feeling the effects of the SNAP shutdown. Nobody should have to worry about their next meal — not in our community. So here’s what we’re doing: Tater Temptations is launching a Pay-It-Forward Fund. This will help us provide meals or groceries to local families who are struggling right now. We’re going to help where we can — quietly, respectfully, and with zero judgment. And here’s where YOU come in: If you’d like to pay it forward and help another family, you can donate any amount — even just a few dollars — and 100% will go toward feeding local families in need. No overhead. No fluff. Just direct help. We’ll continue to offer support on a case-by-case basis, based on the number of families who reach out and the amount in the fund. If you or someone you know is truly in a tough spot, send us a private message. We’ll do our best to help or connect you with other resources. Our community is strong, and when we come together, nobody gets left behind.”
— Tater Temptations
Update - In the past few days, Tater Temptations has given an update on their initiative. In a Facebook post, they stated that they have collected $1620 in donations, delivered food boxes to eight families, and gave out 16 hot meals to four families.
More Restaurants Jumping on Board
And even better news, multiple restaurants have rallied around Tater Temptations and have started offering meals of their own. All offers are subject to change without warning. Please contact the restaurant for details. To add your restaurant, please email evansville.dme@townsquaremedia.com.
Bad Randy’s on West Franklin Street is stepping up to help the community by offering free meals to anyone who asks for the “Community Special,” no questions asked.
Tater Temptations is inviting anyone facing a true food emergency to reach out privately by DM or email at Tatertemptations@gmail.com for help. No judgment, just compassion. If they can’t assist directly, they’ll connect families with local food resources to make sure no one in the community goes hungry.
Wonder Whip in Owensboro, located at 2434 E. 4th Street, is offering free Grilled Cheese Kid’s Meals at both Owensboro locations from November 1st until the shutdown is over and benefits are restored. Available for walk-up guests only. Children must be present, and it’s limited to one meal per child 12 and under per visit. Just walk up, ask for a Grilled Cheese Kid’s Meal, and they’ll take care of the rest.
Tacoholics in Henderson is offering kids 12 and under can enjoy a free meal daily with no purchase needed starting November 1st. Just mention the special and bring your child. The team simply asks that only those truly in need take part so they can help as many families as possible.
2 Chicks Bistro & Bakery at 111 South 2nd St. in Boonville is reaching out to help local families impacted by the government shutdown. They’re offering free warm dinners to families truly in need. Those seeking help can email Chicksbistroandbakery@outlook.com to arrange a meal.
El Sabor de La Abuela Mexican Restaurant at 108 Second Street will be offering free meals to individuals and families affected, inviting anyone in need to stop by and enjoy a meal together.
Taco John’s is stepping up to help those affected by the government shutdown. From October 31 through November 2, anyone in need can stop by a Taco John’s location and ask for the Community Support Special to receive a free beef or bean burrito and a Jr. Potato Olés, available daily from 9 AM to 11 PM. The Taco John’s Foundation will also donate to local food banks for every Taco Bravo sold on Thursday, November 6.
Check out this post from Fingers Fork Knife and Spoon and our friend Brian Buxton.
How to Support Local Food Banks
There are also several Evansville-area food banks ramping up food distribution. If you’d like to donate to a local food bank, please contact them directly or Feed Evansville to learn how you can help.
Evansville and Boonville Food Pantries
Visit the Commission on Homelessness for more info on dates, times, and what they offer.
Evansville Rescue Mission
500 E Walnut St, Evansville, IN 47713
(812) 421-3800
United Caring Services
324 NW 6th St, Evansville, IN 47708
(812) 422-0297
The Salvation Army
1040 N Fulton Ave, Evansville, IN 47710
(812) 422-4673
HarvestTime Inner City Ministries
518 S Linwood Ave, Evansville, IN 47713
(812) 425-0755
St. Vincent de Paul
809 N Lafayette Ave, Evansville, IN 47711
(812) 425-3485
Sts. Mary & John Catholic Parish – St. Mary Catholic Church
613 Cherry St, Evansville, IN 47713
(812) 425-1577
Patchwork Central
100 Washington Ave, Evansville, IN 47713
(812) 424-2735
Nativity Food Pantry – Holy Rosary Catholic Church
1167 S Green River Rd, Evansville, IN 47715
(812) 476-7186
Destiny of Faith
3314 Forest Ave, Evansville, IN 47712
(812) 434-0445
CAPE (Community Action Program of Evansville)
401 SE 6th St, Suite 001, Evansville, IN 47713
(812) 425-4241
Westside Food Pantry – Simpson United Methodist Church
2201 W Illinois St, Evansville, IN 47712
(812) 423-7636
Bethesda Ministries
1820 Stringtown Rd, Evansville, IN 47711
(812) 424-2747
The Assembly Church
4330 N Burkhardt Rd, Evansville, IN 47715
(812) 518-1563
Young & Established
1308 Vann Ave, Evansville, IN 47714
(812) 402-1515
Impact Ministries in Boonville
1515 E Main St, Boonville, IN 47601
(812) 897-6150
To add to this list or another food truck that is donating meals, please contact evansville.dme@townsquaremedia.com.
Source: https://www.wthr.com
Source: https://www.cnn.com
Evansville Community Resource Guide
Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals