“Food Insecurity” increases in INdiana; Gleaners Mobile food bank offers help, needs volunteers
February 1, 2023 at 9:11 p.m.
A recent analysis of federal data showed that the number of “food insecure” homes in Indiana increased by 53% between October of 2021 and 2022.
A nonprofit group called Hunger Free America reported a jump from around 375,000 to 573,000 individuals in Indiana during this time, and 19.9 million to 25.7 million nationwide. The USDA defines Food Insecurity as the "lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle." The Midwest Food Bank defines it simply as "Not knowing where your next meal is coming from." FeedingAmerica.org estimates that one in seven children in our state face hunger. Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, released a statement saying, in part: “In the richest country in the history of the world, it's really incredible that…more than half a million Hoosiers don't have enough food in just one week.” In regards to Indiana's agricultural prowess, Berg says it is “particularly appalling that major agricultural states have such high levels of hunger.” With these growing needs come increasing opportunities to help in the community. Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana hosts a Mobile Pantry, for example, which distributes on the first Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m. in Liberty. They also hold a “senior shopping day” for Wayne and Union counties on the third Tuesday of every month for folks aged 55 or older. Gleaners also needs help! Volunteers are needed for food distribution in Liberty (dates and times listed below.) Local foodbanks have drop-off spots for canned or dry goods, most of which can be found on community Facebook pages. Reach out to Gleaner's at 317-925-0191 or online at gleaners.org.
Gleaners Mobile Food Pantry will be distributing at Showalter, Blackwell, Long Funeral Home (312 W. Union St., Liberty) 10 am- 12pm, Sat. Feb. 4 and every first Saturday. Volunteers needed for distribution help: Feb. 4, March 4, Apr. 1, May 6, June 3, July 1. Volunteer hours are 9:15 am – 12:00 pm.
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A recent analysis of federal data showed that the number of “food insecure” homes in Indiana increased by 53% between October of 2021 and 2022.
A nonprofit group called Hunger Free America reported a jump from around 375,000 to 573,000 individuals in Indiana during this time, and 19.9 million to 25.7 million nationwide. The USDA defines Food Insecurity as the "lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle." The Midwest Food Bank defines it simply as "Not knowing where your next meal is coming from." FeedingAmerica.org estimates that one in seven children in our state face hunger. Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, released a statement saying, in part: “In the richest country in the history of the world, it's really incredible that…more than half a million Hoosiers don't have enough food in just one week.” In regards to Indiana's agricultural prowess, Berg says it is “particularly appalling that major agricultural states have such high levels of hunger.” With these growing needs come increasing opportunities to help in the community. Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana hosts a Mobile Pantry, for example, which distributes on the first Saturday of every month from 10:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m. in Liberty. They also hold a “senior shopping day” for Wayne and Union counties on the third Tuesday of every month for folks aged 55 or older. Gleaners also needs help! Volunteers are needed for food distribution in Liberty (dates and times listed below.) Local foodbanks have drop-off spots for canned or dry goods, most of which can be found on community Facebook pages. Reach out to Gleaner's at 317-925-0191 or online at gleaners.org.
Gleaners Mobile Food Pantry will be distributing at Showalter, Blackwell, Long Funeral Home (312 W. Union St., Liberty) 10 am- 12pm, Sat. Feb. 4 and every first Saturday. Volunteers needed for distribution help: Feb. 4, March 4, Apr. 1, May 6, June 3, July 1. Volunteer hours are 9:15 am – 12:00 pm.