Indiana allocates $2 million to food banks

By Andi Anderson

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture has granted $2 million in new funding to support food banks across the state, providing critical resources to help address the rising need for food assistance among Hoosiers.

This funding will be distributed among 11 regional food banks that serve Indiana communities through food pantries, kitchens, and other feeding programs.

Approved by the state legislature in this year’s budget, the additional funding comes at a crucial time as food banks report a growing demand for their services.

According to Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, one in five children in the state experienced food insecurity in 2022, highlighting the ongoing challenges many families face in securing adequate nutrition.

Emily Bryant, executive director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, emphasized the importance of this support. “Too many of our neighbors continue to face difficult choices between paying bills and buying groceries. For any Hoosier to be unsure from where their next meal will come is unacceptable,” Bryant said.

She noted that food banks have seen record numbers of families relying on their services since the pandemic began, making this funding essential to meeting the needs of vulnerable populations.

Among the food banks receiving support, Gleaners Food Bank, which serves 21 counties in Central Indiana, received the largest allocation of nearly $700,000. Food banks serving northern Indiana communities, including Fort Wayne, Merrillville, and Lafayette, each received about $200,000 to enhance their distribution efforts.

The allocation of funds is determined through a federal emergency food assistance program, which bases distribution on factors such as poverty and unemployment rates.

This targeted approach ensures that the areas with the greatest need receive the necessary resources to support their communities.

As food insecurity continues to be a pressing issue in Indiana, the state’s commitment to funding food banks demonstrates a proactive effort to ensure that all Hoosiers have access to the food they need.

The additional $2 million will help food banks across Indiana continue their vital work, providing relief to families struggling to make ends meet and contributing to the overall well-being of communities statewide.

Photo Credit: indiana-state-department-of-agriculture