(Indiana) – In November of 2019, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) awarded Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry a grant totaling $7,500 to fund processing fees on livestock donated to serve Indiana residents.
Due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, more than ever, families are struggling to buy groceries. Meat provides one of the most important nutrients (protein) that is vital to the growth and development of children and the health of all Hoosiers. Sadly, it is also one of the most expensive and hardest commodities for hunger relief agencies to get.
Food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens continuously work to protect the most vulnerable and under-served in our communities. These uncertain times are putting added stress and strain on many families and individuals throughout our communities and the number of Hoosiers in need has risen drastically. With the spread of COVID-19, these hunger relief agencies are facing increased demand as people lose income due to the measures put in place to slow the spread of infection.
“Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry has the opportunity to help farmers and reduce food insecurity by receiving 500 pigs per week. The average cost to process a pig is about $200.00 so that is $100,000 per week that we will need to raise. We are so thankful for the Indiana State Department of Agriculture for helping us meet our communities needs right now.” said Debra Treesh, Executive Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry.
“We are committed to responding to the needs of our communities facing hunger. The funds provided by the ISDA will pay to process about 6,500 pounds of donated livestock – providing 26,000 more meals through area hunger-relief agencies.” shared Amber Zecca, Fund Development Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry.
On average, the cost of this donated meat is about $1.16 per pound, which is only $.29 per meal!
About Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry
Founded in 2011, Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry has paid to process 1.5 million pounds of meat – providing over 6.1 million meals. Partnering with 85 meat processors statewide, the organization gives approximately 250,000 pounds of meat annually to an average of 450 hunger relief agencies throughout Indiana. Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry accepts donations and is continuously looking for volunteers to help in efforts to reduce food insecurity throughout Indiana. For more information on this program, its services, to locate local participating meat processors, or to find out how you can help, please visit www.HoosiersFeedingtheHungry.org.
