By Andi Anderson
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture has recently granted $2 million in funding to 11 food banks across the state. These funds are intended to support the growing need for food assistance among Hoosiers, as food banks continue to report record levels of demand.
The additional funding was approved by the state legislature in this year’s budget, responding to the increasing challenges faced by Indiana residents. According to Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, one in five children experienced food insecurity in 2022, highlighting the critical role that food banks play in providing essential services to communities.
Emily Bryant, the executive director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, emphasized the ongoing struggles many families face. “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 stated.
Gleaners Food Bank, which serves 21 counties in Central Indiana, received the largest portion of the funding at nearly $700,000. Other food banks serving northern Indiana communities, including those in Fort Wayne, Merrillville, and Lafayette, received approximately $200,000 each.
The distribution of these funds is determined by a federal emergency food assistance program, which allocates resources based on poverty and unemployment statistics. The support provided by these funds will help food banks continue their mission of feeding Indiana’s hungry through food pantries, kitchens, and other feeding programs.
This new funding represents a significant step in addressing food insecurity in Indiana, ensuring that food banks have the resources they need to meet the demands of the communities they serve.
The impact of this support will be felt by thousands of Hoosiers who rely on these vital services to provide for themselves and their families.
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Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy