Mayor names sustainability officer and urges donations as SNAP benefits face cuts
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Summary
The mayor named Jeff Servansky, director of the Elkhart Environmental Center, as the city’s sustainability officer to lead a climate action plan. The mayor also urged financial and food donations as local partners prepare for a potential reduction in SNAP benefits that could affect thousands of households in Elkhart County.
The mayor announced the appointment of Jeff Servansky, director of the Elkhart Environmental Center, as the City of Elkhart’s sustainability officer and said the city will work over the next 12–18 months to develop a climate action plan.
“As we work to develop our climate action plan in the next year, year and a half, we'll be working with the different departments that are out there to see what new ways we can find that’s a little bit more sustainable, more energy efficient,” Servansky said, noting the city’s interest in reducing energy costs for taxpayers.
The mayor also issued a call to action in response to state‑level SNAP benefit pressure. He said approximately 619,000 Hoosiers receive SNAP benefits and that “nearly 15,000 households in Elkhart County rely on SNAP to meet their basic needs.” The city plans a coordinated food drive and will post a press release with details; the mayor encouraged financial donations via the local campaign website (hungerendshere.com) and announced drop‑off points at City Hall for nonperishable items.
City officials said community food‑pantry partners expect a potential surge in demand and are organizing to meet need if benefit reductions occur.
