The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) announced a short-term initiative extending the Military Family Relief Fund to provide food assistance to veteran households that have been affected by changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The move is designed to provide immediate relief for veterans facing gaps in food support while the current SNAP circumstances persist.

Under the initiative, eligible veteran households can receive short-term food assistance. Applications may be submitted online, by telephone, or through a County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO). The program will remain active for as long as the state determines the current SNAP situation warrants supplemental support, offering a stopgap for residents who rely on nutrition benefits and now face uncertainty.

For Dubois County, the CVSO office will be the primary local entry point for veterans seeking help. County Veteran Service Officers assist with benefit navigation, document preparation and application submission, and can help veterans understand eligibility criteria and required paperwork. Local veterans and their families are encouraged to reach out to the Dubois County CVSO if they need assistance completing applications or determining whether they qualify for this temporary aid.

The IDVA’s action responds to changes in federal nutrition assistance that have left some households, including veterans, with reduced benefits or altered eligibility. The department framed the extension as a short-term emergency measure to bridge needs while broader SNAP circumstances are resolved. Because the initiative relies on existing Military Family Relief Fund resources, it is intended to be a temporary supplement rather than a long-term replacement for federal programs.

The local impact could be significant for lower-income veterans, elderly veterans on fixed incomes, and families who were recently disqualified or saw benefits reduced. Food insecurity can have immediate health consequences and longer-term effects on housing stability and medical care, making rapid access to assistance important for the county’s social services network. Local nonprofits, food pantries, and veterans’ organizations may coordinate with the CVSO to identify candidates and streamline the distribution of aid.

Residents seeking more information should consult the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs website, call the state office for guidance, or contact the Dubois County County Veteran Service Officer directly. Because the program is time-limited and tied to the evolving status of SNAP benefits, veterans who believe they may be eligible are urged to apply promptly to ensure they receive available assistance while the initiative remains active.