Indiana food banks receive $2 million from the state

New funding for food banks was recently granted by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

$2 million in funds will go to 11 Indiana food banks that serve Hoosiers across the state. The regional banks provide and distribute food to communities through food pantries, kitchens and other feeding programs.

The additional funding was approved by the state legislature in the budget this year. Food banks have reported an increased need for food assistance. Feeding Indiana’s Hungry reports one in five children experienced food insecurity in 2022.

The group's executive director Emily Bryant said since the pandemic food banks have had record numbers of families rely on food assistance.

“Too many of our neighbors continue to face difficult choices between paying bills and buying groceries. For any Hoosier to be unsure from where their next meal will come is unacceptable,” Bryant said.

Gleaners Food Bank serves 21 counties in Central Indiana. It received the greatest amount at nearly $700,000. Food banks that serve northern Indiana communities in Fort Wayne, Merrillville and Lafayette received about $200,000 each.

Distribution is determined through a federal emergency food assistance program and based on poverty and unemployment numbers.