How are food pantries like Interchurch adapting to reduced federal aid?

Food pantries are employing 'food rescue' systems, collecting surplus food from local schools and grocery stores to supplement traditional donations and compensate for reduced federal assistance.

What is the extent of food insecurity in Indiana?

In Indiana, one in seven people face hunger, with the Interchurch Food Pantry noting a 21% increase in households served recently.

How do food pantries ensure variety in the food they distribute?

Pantries creatively source food from diverse locations, including schools, grocery stores, and community gardens, enabling them to offer a wide range of items, sometimes even special requests like birthday cakes.

Home / Business and Economy / Food Pantries Juggle Resources Amid Rising Needs

Food Pantries Juggle Resources Amid Rising Needs

27 Jan

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Summary

Food pantries utilize 'food rescue' to provide diverse items.
Indiana faces rising hunger with one in seven people affected.
Pantries creatively source food due to decreased federal aid.

Food Pantries Juggle Resources Amid Rising Needs

Food pantries nationwide are demonstrating remarkable resilience by piecing together diverse resource streams to combat rising food insecurity. Organizations like the Interchurch Food Pantry in Johnson County, Indiana, leverage 'food rescue' initiatives, collecting surplus food from schools and grocery stores to supplement traditional donations and reduced federal aid. This creative sourcing allows them to provide a wider variety of items, including special requests like birthday cakes for recipients.

Indiana faces significant hunger challenges, with one in seven residents experiencing food insecurity. The Interchurch Food Pantry, for example, saw a 21% increase in households served recently. To counter dwindling supplies from sources like The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) due to federal funding cuts, pantries are strengthening partnerships with local businesses and implementing efficient logistics for food collection.