For those seeking food assistance in Indiana, there are numerous resources available. From Indianapolis to Fort Wayne, and everywhere in between, food banks and pantries are working tirelessly to ensure that no Hoosier goes hungry. Organizations like Gleaners Food Bank, Community Harvest Food Bank, and Second Harvest Food Bank provide essential services to individuals and families in need, distributing millions of pounds of food each year. Whether you’re looking to donate, volunteer, or receive assistance, Indiana’s food banks are here to help.
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana serves as a critical resource in the fight against hunger in central and southeastern Indiana. They partner with over 250 hunger relief agencies, providing food and services to those in need. Their programs include mobile pantries, school-based pantries, and senior hunger initiatives, ensuring food security for diverse populations across nine counties.
Location: 3737 Waldemere Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46241
Service Counties: Bartholomew, Brown, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Morgan, Putnam, Shelby
Contact Number: (317) 925-0191
Website: gleaners.org
Midwest Food Bank, Indiana Division
Midwest Food Bank Indiana Division supports nearly 300 partner agencies across 62 counties, providing food assistance to alleviate hunger. Their large-scale distribution efforts include disaster relief, food for non-profits, and the Tender Mercies program, ensuring nutritious meals reach those in need. The organization relies heavily on volunteer support and donations to fulfill its mission.
Location: 6450 S Belmont Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46217
Service Counties: Nearly 300 agency partners in over 62 counties
Contact Number: (317) 786-8980
Website: midwestfoodbank.org
Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana
Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana serves nine counties, offering a variety of programs like Farm Wagons, SeniorPak, and Kids BackPack to provide nutritious food to those in need. They emphasize community involvement through volunteering and donations, aiming to alleviate hunger and improve the quality of life for individuals and families in their service area.
Location: 999 E Tillman Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46816
Service Counties: Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, Whitley
Contact Number: (260) 447-3696
Website: communityharvest.org
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana is the region’s largest hunger relief organization, serving eight counties through a network of 96 agency partners and 36 schools. Their initiatives include mobile distributions, senior safety nets, and various community engagement programs designed to break the cycle of poverty and ensure food security.
Location: 6621 N Old State Rd 3, Muncie, IN 47303
Service Counties: Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, Randolph, Wabash
Contact Number: (765) 287-8698
Website: curehunger.org
Food Bank of Northern Indiana
The Food Bank of Northern Indiana focuses on feeding the hungry in six counties through food distributions, educational programs, and partnerships with local agencies. They operate mobile pantries, backpack programs for children, and nutrition education initiatives to support food security and healthy living in their community.
Location: 702 Chapin St, South Bend, IN 46601
Service Counties: Elkhart, Kosciusko, LaPorte, Marshall, Starke, St. Joseph
Contact Number: (574) 232-9986
Website: feedindiana.org
Hoosier Hills Food Bank
Hoosier Hills Food Bank serves six counties with the mission of eliminating hunger and food insecurity. They distribute food through member agencies, operate mobile pantries, and run various programs like Meal Share and Garden & Gleaning, all aimed at providing nutritious food and promoting community well-being.
Location: 2333 W Industrial Park Dr, Bloomington, IN 47404
Service Counties: Brown, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Owen, Orange
Contact Number: (812) 334-8374
Website: hhfoodbank.org
Tri-State Food Bank
Tri-State Food Bank addresses hunger in southwestern Indiana, partnering with local agencies to distribute food and resources. They provide meals through programs like Senior Meal Boxes, BackPack, and Mobile Pantries, ensuring access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations in their service area.
Location: 801 E Michigan St, Evansville, IN 47711
Service Counties: Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick
Contact Number: (812) 425-0775
Website: tristatefoodbank.org
Food Finders Food Bank
Food Finders Food Bank works with local pantries, schools, and community organizations to provide food assistance in seven counties. They operate programs like Mobile Pantry, Senior Grocery, and Backpack programs, focusing on food security and nutrition education to improve the quality of life for those they serve.
Location: 1204 Greenbush St, Lafayette, IN 47904
Service Counties: Benton, Carroll, Clinton, Fountain, Tippecanoe, Warren, White
Contact Number: (765) 471-0062
Website: food-finders.org
Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank
Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank distributes food through a network of 90 partner agencies across seven counties. Their programs include emergency food assistance, mobile pantries, and senior nutrition services, ensuring that those in need have access to healthy food options.
Location: 1356 Locust St, Terre Haute, IN 47807
Service Counties: Clay, Greene, Knox, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, Vigo
Contact Number: (812) 232-1447
Website: thccfoodbank.org
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana works with over 110 food pantries and soup kitchens to provide food assistance in Lake and Porter counties. Their programs include Mobile Market, Pantry Pack, and senior nutrition initiatives, aimed at combating hunger and improving food security in the region.
Location: 6490 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410
Service Counties: Lake, Porter
Contact Number: (219) 980-1777
Website: foodbanknwi.org
How Indiana Food Banks Operate
Indiana food banks operate through a combination of partnerships with local agencies, community organizations, and direct service programs to distribute food to those in need. They procure food from various sources, including donations from individuals, grocery stores, and food manufacturers. The food is then sorted, stored, and distributed through a network of partner agencies such as food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and mobile distributions. Food banks like Gleaners Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank also offer specialized programs targeting specific populations, such as children, seniors, and low-income families, ensuring comprehensive support across the state.
How to Donate to Food Banks in Indiana
- Monetary Donations: Most food banks, including Gleaners Food Bank and Community Harvest Food Bank, accept financial contributions online through their websites. Monetary donations allow food banks to purchase food at wholesale prices, ensuring more meals per dollar.
- Food Donations: Donors can contribute non-perishable food items by dropping them off at designated food bank locations or participating in local food drives. Items such as canned goods, pasta, and rice are commonly needed.
- Volunteering: Volunteers are crucial for sorting and packing food, distributing meals, and assisting with administrative tasks. Individuals and groups can sign up to volunteer on the food banks’ websites.
- Hosting a Food Drive: Businesses, schools, and community groups can organize food drives to collect food donations. Food banks like the Food Bank of Northern Indiana provide resources and support to help host successful drives.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Companies can support food banks through sponsorships, matching gift programs, and employee volunteer initiatives. This helps enhance the food banks’ capacity to serve more people.
Importance of Indiana Food Banks
Indiana food banks play a vital role in addressing food insecurity and hunger across the state. They provide essential nutrition to vulnerable populations, including low-income families, seniors, and children, helping to ensure that no one goes hungry. Food banks also contribute to community health by offering nutritious food options and promoting healthy eating habits. Moreover, they serve as a safety net during emergencies and economic downturns, providing critical support to those affected by job loss, natural disasters, and other crises. By mobilizing community resources and fostering partnerships, Indiana food banks strengthen the overall social fabric and contribute to the well-being of all residents.