ELKHART, Ind. -- In response to the lapse in SNAP benefits, the Gymtown Food Pantry is launching their Rapid Response Food Bank ahead of schedule Wednesday.

Gymtown Food Pantry had originally planned to launch the Gymtown Food Bank, a centralized food distribution hub, in early 2026, but the opening was moved up due to the current food crisis.

Now dubbed the Rapid Response Food Bank, it will open at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Elkhart and then it will develop into the Gymtown Food Bank.

The bank will operate as a daily access warehouse where partner food pantries can restock their supplies, helping to stabilize local food supplies and allowing these pantries to respond quickly to rising need.

As the food bank works with local pantries and is not open to individuals seeking food assistance, households in need should continue to visit their own local pantries which will be receiving support from the Rapid Response Food Bank.