Mayor Joe Hogsett calls on businesses and community members to work together by donating and volunteering to ensure residents do not go hungry during the potential food crisis
INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Mayor Joe Hogsett was joined by Cummins and IU Health, along with food service providers to detail emergency efforts aimed at connecting Marion County residents with access to healthy, fresh food this November, as part of a joint press conference with United Way of Central Indiana.
The City and its corporate partners are providing more than $200,000 in emergency funding to Gleaners Food Bank to subsidize the efforts of neighborhood food pantries. Additionally, the Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) is expanding its previously announced food outreach plans through the month of November. These efforts are in addition to those of the United Way of Central Indiana, who is calling on the community to donate to its Central Indiana Food Relief Fund.
“More than 120,000 Marion County residents will lose their SNAP benefits on November 1st. These 120,000 people are our neighbors here in Indianapolis, and it is imperative that we all work together to prevent any neighbor of ours from going hungry,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “I want to thank Cummins and IU Health for amplifying the City’s efforts to provide food across the County, and I encourage other businesses and community members to donate and volunteer at their local food bank or through organizations like Gleaners and Second Helpings.”
“Cummins has a deeply rooted commitment to removing barriers prohibiting people from thriving in their day-to-day lives,” says Jim Schacht, Vice President, Corporate Responsibility, Cummins Inc. “Cummins is proud to support the City’s initiative to coordinate and promote this collective effort, and we welcome the opportunity to partner with IU Health, Gleaners, United Way of Central Indiana and other organizations to support those most in need in our community.”
OPHS will also use the funding to increase capacity at 10 distribution events planned throughout the month, including a newly added event this Saturday, November 1, at Bethel Cathedral AME, located at 6417 Zionsville Road, from 2-4 pm. The City is also working with Indianapolis Public Schools to ensure students and families have needed support through several closed events.
“This is not simply a policy issue. This is a moral issue. Scripture reminds us that when we feed the hungry, we serve God Himself. To ensure that every child, every senior, and every family has access to healthy food — that is not optional. That is sacred duty,” said Dr. Carlos Perkins, City-County Councilor for District 6. “As a pastor, I pray. As a councilor, I act. And as a citizen of this great city, I stand with all who believe that no one in Indianapolis should go to bed hungry.”
FREE OPHS November Food Distribution Events:
November 1, 2 to 4 p.m.: Bethel Cathedral AME | 6417 Zionsville Road
November 8, 12 to 2 p.m.: Fountain Square Church of Christ | 1041 Spruce St., 46230
November 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Charity Cares | 959 N. Holmes Ave., 46222
November 15, 12 to 3 p.m.: Eclectic Souls VOICES Corp.| 9501 E. 36th Pl., 46235
November 19, 8:30 a.m.: Rock of the World, Salt of the Earth | 8833 Bel Air Dr., 46226
November 20, 4 to 6 p.m.: with Indy Peace | 1825 E. 25th St., 46218
November 24, 3 to 5 p.m.: Lawrence Park | 5301 N. Franklin Drive
November 25, 12 to 2:30 p.m.: Breeding Tabernacle CME | 3670 N. Leland Ave., 46218
November 26, 3 to 5 p.m.: Stanley Strader | 2850 Bethel Ave., 46203
Other available resources to connect residents with food include:
Indy Parks- Indy Parks Meals Programs offer two food pantries, locations for youth after school meals, and the Drive and Dish Program, which allows residents to register, order groceries, and pick them up at a participating parks location. The Drive and Dish Programs at Frederick Douglass Park and Washington Park are currently at capacity and not able to accept new residents. Details and locations can be found at the Indy Parks Website.
Brookside Park will be hosting a Food Drive from November 1-19. Residents can drop off nonperishable food donations Monday to Friday from noon to 7:30 pm at the Brookside Park Family Center, 3500 Brookside Parkway S Dr. Free meals are also available at the park on Mondays to Fridays from 4-6 pm while supplies last, thanks to a partnership with Second Helpings. Additional information about Second Helps programs at Indy Parks Locations will be shared on the Indy Parks Website.
Community Compass- Community Compass is a free digital tool by the Indy Hunger Network. Residents can use a simple search function to find food assistance near them. It can be downloaded from app stores or accessed at communitycompass.app
Food Resource Services Hub (FRSH)-The Indy Hunger Network launched the Food Resource Services Hub (FRSH) to support individuals facing food insecurity. A Food Resource Navigator helps visitors access and connect with local food resources. Visit https://indyfoodresourceshub.org/
More information and resources for residents in need of food assistance can be found on indy.gov. The site will continue to be updated as more resources become available.
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Media contact:
Aliya Wishner | Communications & Policy Director