November 5, 2025
Earlier today, Mayor James Mueller signed Executive Order 01-2025, to declare a state of emergency in South Bend in response to the first group of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments missed due to the federal government shutdown. Without Congress reopening the federal government or the US Department of Agriculture utilizing emergency funds, payments to additional South Bend families will be missed in the coming days.
“Congress must overcome the partisan gridlock in Washington and reopen the federal government immediately to restore critical nutrition assistance for working families,” said Mayor James Mueller. “Today’s steps by the City provide some relief to the food emergency but are not a replacement for needed Congressional action.”
“No family in South Bend should go hungry because of a temporary disruption in federal aid,” said Common Council President Canneth Lee. “We are working together to ensure immediate local support for those who need it most.”
Executive Order 01-2025 declares a local disaster emergency in the City of South Bend, places a moratorium on utility shutoffs for families in the Utility Assistance Program through February 5, 2026, and calls for using available 2025 appropriated funds for emergency food assistance.
The City of South Bend will contribute $70,000, of which $60,000 will go to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, and $10,000 will go to Cultivate Food Rescue. Additionally, the City has received pledges from local philanthropies and nonprofit organizations to contribute an additional $55,000 for emergency food assistance.
The City encourages residents and organizations to help our neighbors in need by donating time or money to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, Cultivate Rescue, and the United Way of St. Joseph County.
For information on additional resources, please visit southbendin.gov/support.