SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- South Bend Mayor James Mueller signed an executive order Wednesday to declare a food emergency in South Bend following the first group of SNAP benefits being missed because of the federal government shutdown.

“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.”

The executive order places a moratorium on utility shutoffs for families in the Utility Assistance Program through Feb. 5, 2026, and calls for using available 2025 appropriated funds for emergency food assistance.

The city will also 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.

City officials say South Bend has also received pledges from local philanthropies and nonprofit organizations to contribute an additional $55,000 for emergency food assistance.

You can find more information on additional resources online.