INDIANAPOLIS — A new resource hub is making it easier for people who need food. The goal is to remove barriers for people in need of assistance.
The hub is a one-stop shop. People who live in food deserts can go to one place and find all the resources they need.
"With inflation increasing and wages not keeping up, people are really struggling in our community," said Kate Howe, executive director of Indy Hunger Network.
Every situation is unique. The food resource hub connects people to food pantries, places to get hot meals and food delivery. Some are already benefiting from the services.
"Some folks, because they are asking about things that may not be food-related," said Maxine Thomas, director of Food Resource Services Hub. "We had emergency food supply right on hand and we are able to give him a bag to hold for the weekend until he was able to get to the food pantry."
The launch comes after a recent study about food insecurity in Marion County. The study shows that 31% of people experienced food insecurity last year, which is much higher than the numbers during the pandemic. While organizations are providing a lot of food the organization is finding it's quite simply not enough to keep up.
“I do feel charged to be able to do this work and really honored to be able to be a part of a solution and really able to connect our residents,” said Thomas.
Thomas said they're working on two more locations, one the north side of Indianapolis and the other on the east side.
According to Feeding America, food insecurity affects more than 700,000 Hoosiers every year.
If you or someone you know is struggling to get food, resources are available:
- SNAP — The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides food assistance to low and no income people and families living in the United States.
- WIC - The Indiana WIC Program serves an average of 145,000 women, infants and children each month through a statewide network of 140 WIC clinics.
- TANF - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a program that provides cash assistance and supportive services to assist families with children under age 18, helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency.
There are also many food banks in central Indiana, where you can get food or donate to help support neighbors in need.
Gleaners food Bank of Indiana
3737 Waldemere Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46241
317-925-0191
www.gleaners.org
Midwest Food Bank
6450 S. Belmont St.
Indianapolis, IN 46217
317-786-8980
https://midwestfoodbank.org/donate/donation-opportunities
Second Helpings
1121 Southeastern Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
317-632-2264
www.secondhelpings.org/donate
The State of Indiana has a list of other food banks throughout the state where you can get food, volunteer or donate.