US Rep. Yakym’s bill could lead to ID requirements for food aid

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Legislation aimed at keeping food resources focused on local communities would allow assistance groups to require proof of address.

U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym, an Indiana Republican, introduced House of Representatives Bill 8953, the Preserving Community Food Assistance Act of 2026. It would allow food distributors to request proof of residency. That could be “photo identification card, a piece of mail, residency documentation, or other similar document.” 

The legislation would amend the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983, which established federal funding for programs providing free food to people with low incomes. Forty-eight million people, including 14 million children, experience food insecurity annually, according to Feeding America.

“Hoosiers are generous by nature, but that charity should not be abused,” Yakym said in a statement. 

The bill is in direct response to a 2024 change under the Biden administration prohibiting food banks and pantries from requesting household addresses to determine eligibility.

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