Lawmakers Join Forces Against Hoosier Hunger

  Members of the General Assembly have found a common goal: fighting against hunger in Indiana. By partnering with a statewide association of food banks, lawmakers have begun work to raise awareness and help relief efforts throughout the state during the month of February. The legislators, along with Feeding Indiana’s Hungry – an association of Feeding America-related food banks, are looking to shed light on the issue of hunger and bring Hoosiers together to prevent anyone in the state from worrying about where to find their next meal.

All four caucus leaders participated in a public service announcement which can be viewed here or here.

Representative Rhonda Rhoads of said more than half of food bank clients have visited a food pantry every month for more than six months over the past year, and she said she applauds churches and other organizations who look to ensure no Hoosier goes hungry.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture report released in 2011 noted that 13 percent of Hoosier households do not have secure access to food, and one in four children in Indiana do not receive the necessary nutrition for a healthy lifestyle. An estimated 358,000 statewide are affected by hunger, and more than one million Hoosiers are at risk.

Each of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry has 11 regional member food banks that serve a specific geographic area, supplying food to more than 1700 local soup kitchens, church pantries, homeless shelters, day cares and other nonprofit organizations. Approximately 117,900 Indiana residents receive food from organizations each week.

Emily Bryant, the executive director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, said the organization and their member food banks are thankful for the attention the cause is receiving from the Indiana General Assembly and its caucus leaders. To join in the fight against hunger, visit www.feedingindianashungry.org or call 2-1-1 to locate a food bank or food agency near you.