Mayor's Advisory Commission on Food Access Meeting - October 1, 2026

The Mayor's Advisory Commission on Food Access convened on October 1, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. The meeting included approval of minutes, an update on a tour of the Grace Care Center food bank, and presentations from two guest speakers: Aaron Goldstein of Share Our Strength (No Kid Hungry) and representatives from the Milk Bank. The commission discussed food insecurity, federal SNAP changes, infant nutrition, and community partnerships.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the September 17, 2026 meeting, moved by Jay and seconded.

Discussion Items

• Grace Care Center Tour Update: Kevin reported on a tour organized for several commissioners of the Grace Care Center food bank. He noted the facility operates like a grocery store with client choice, has approximately 50 volunteers per shift, and includes a co-op, vehicle maintenance, and English classes. The on-site thrift store generates $130,000 annually to purchase food. Commissioners praised the comprehensive services.

• Presentation by Aaron Goldstein (Share Our Strength / No Kid Hungry):

  • Goldstein provided national context: 16 million children receive federal nutrition programs, but 14 million remain food insecure.
  • He highlighted the Summer EBT (Sunbucks) program: Indiana participated only in summer 2024 (distributed to 650,000 kids) but opted out for 2027; 22% of Hamilton County children are eligible. The commission was urged to advocate for state opt-in.
  • He detailed the impact of HR1 on SNAP: $200 billion cut, requiring states to pay 75% of administrative costs (Indiana's share: $136 million/year) and up to 15% of benefit costs (Indiana's potential share: $139 million/year). Since HR1's adoption, 5 million people (including 1.5 million children) have lost SNAP access nationally; Indiana lost 11% of families.
  • He called on the commission to advocate for a two-year delay in HR1 implementation and to work with state legislators and Congress.
  • He announced that Mayor Finkam will become vice chair of the Mayor's Alliance to End Childhood Hunger (673 mayors) and that the Mayor's Action Fund (supported by Dollar Tree) provides grants for food access navigation, summer meals outreach, and stakeholder convenings.
  • Questions from commissioners: Jane asked about state flexibility to restrict SNAP eligibility (Goldstein: states can be more restrictive). Another commissioner asked about state legislator awareness; Goldstein stated associations (NGA, NCSL) are educating but urged direct outreach. Lisa asked about coalition partners; Goldstein noted National Grocers Association, National Dairy Council, and state farm bureaus are engaged.

• Presentation by Lisa Bussey and Freedom Colby (The Milk Bank):

  • The Milk Bank is a local nonprofit (21 years old) that screens, processes, and dispenses donor human milk, distributing ~300,000 feedings per month. They are registered as a food manufacturer with the FDA and accredited by the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.
  • They highlighted that infant food insecurity often goes unrecognized. Prematurity is a leading cause of infant death; donor milk can increase survival rates by 50–70% in NICU settings. In Indiana, all hospitals have donor milk available, and Carmel has two milk depots and two milk express sites.
  • A video was shown emphasizing the medical necessity and life-saving impact.
  • They discussed cost: hospitals pay a processing fee (every $1 invested saves $11); Medicaid in Indiana covers donor milk; the Milk Bank has a medical relief fund to eliminate financial barriers for families.
  • The greatest challenge is donor recruitment: they need 169 new donors per month (rising to 220 by November). Only a fraction of lactating women can donate (excess supply after infant's needs).
  • They noted partnerships with Gleaners food bank and WIC, but inventory constraints limit distribution to food pantries. They are open to collaboration on awareness and drives.
  • Questions: Commissioners asked about community outreach (digital, healthcare referrals, events). The chair requested that the Milk Bank send information on drop-off sites and donor needs for the commission's upcoming gap analysis report.

Key Outcomes

• Commission's Role in SNAP Advocacy: Commissioners will work with Mayor Finkam to contact state legislators (Rep. Wilburn and Sen. Lopez) to educate about the fiscal impacts of HR1 and advocate for a two-year delay.
• Documenting Gaps: The commission plans to produce a year-end report identifying food access gaps and solutions; the Milk Bank will provide drop-off and donor recruitment information for inclusion.
• Continued Engagement: The commission will explore collaborations with Share Our Strength and the Milk Bank for future initiatives, including potential grant applications to the Mayor's Action Fund.