State Money Given to Indiana Food Banks
STATEWIDE–-$300,000 in state money will be distributed to 11 food banks in Indiana to help Hoosiers in need.
“With the support of the Indiana legislature and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, we continue the fight against food insecurity,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “While this is only the start, we’re proud to play a part in bringing greater food security to Hoosier families. ”
The money was provided by the Indiana legislature, as part of the biennial budget. The distribution amounts were determined using the Emergency Food Assistance Program fair share percentage, which captures poverty and unemployment levels in each country.
Feeding the Hungry is Indiana’s food bank association. They say the impact of the coronavirus is causing food insecurity to rise in the state by 40%. One in five Hoosiers are at risk of not getting enough to eat, which includes more than 414,500 children who do not know where their next meal will come from.
“This year’s funding will help food banks continue to meet the increased need from Hoosiers, many of whom sought assistance for the first time when the COVID-19 pandemic began and is expected to continue for months to come,” says, Emily Weikert Bryant, executive director of the association. “Food banks have had to purchase substantial amounts of food as donated food from retail sources has lessened, while incurring increased expenses for staff, logistics, and personal protective equipment to serve thousands of households each week.”
One recipient, Hoosier Hills Food Bank in Bloomington, will use the money to support the distribution of food for its programs and partner agencies in six counties.
“This support from the state of Indiana is especially helpful this year,” said Julio Alonso, Executive Director and CEO of Hoosier Hills Food Bank. “COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on both the need for food and on food donations. With this help, we can serve an increased number of Hoosiers facing hunger and food insecurity despite a big decline in regular sources of donated food.”
Here is the full list of food banks receiving money for the 2021 fiscal year:
-Community Harvest Food Bank – $29,970
-Dare to Care Food Bank – $10,890
-Food Bank of Northern Indiana – $34,890
-Food Bank of Northwest Indiana – $29,310
-Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. – $27,720
-FreeStore Foodbank– $2,490
-Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Inc. – $96,480
-Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Inc. – $12,960
-Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central IN, Inc. – $23,640
-Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank, Inc. – $13,230
-Tri-State Food Bank, Inc. – $18,420
