IMPD, Gleaners continue partnership to feed Indy’s hungry for second summer

INDIANAPOLIS – The partnership between the City of Indianapolis’ public safety agencies and Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana to help feed Indianapolis’ most needy residents will continue this summer beginning June 6. Last year, the inaugural program – which ran for a 13 week period – served more than 62,000 individuals, with almost 28,000 of those children 17-years-old and younger.

“The data we are seeing, and the conversations we have with our young people, continue to show food insecurity is a huge issue, especially during the summer when school is not in session,” Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Troy Riggs said. “Children are telling us they will sometimes turn to petty crime just to try to provide food for themselves and their brothers and sisters. That isn’t something any child should have to worry about. None of our neighbors should have to go without food.”

As with last summer’s pantries, distribution locations have been chosen in the city’s six focus areas. They are identified by intersections at: 16th and Tibbs, 29th and MLK, 34th and Illinois, 38th and Sherman, 42nd and Post and New York and Sherman. The pantries will be manned by volunteers from IMPD, IFD, and IEMS as well as the community. The emphasis will be on nutritious foods, including fresh produce and meat.

This year, the CARE Mobile Pantry will include wrap around services, including mental health and a Reading & Wonder segment featuring book exchanges, vocabulary cards, nutrition education, etc.

“As we collectively continue to address hunger, public safety, and quality of life here in Indianapolis we are looking for ways to further enhance what we offer beyond food,” Gleaners’ President and CEO, Cindy Hubert, said. “Those who suffer from hunger can oftentimes experience despair and desperation and we want to make sure we are addressing all of their needs in order to provide for the best outcome.”

In 2015, the CARE Mobile Food Pantry served 16,441 households for a total of 62,043 individuals served. Of those, 2,481 were veterans. The breakdown of the household numbers served was:

·  0 – 5-years-old – 8,927 individuals
·  6 – 17-years-old – 18,859 individuals
·  18 – 64-years-old – 30,072 individuals
·  65-years and over – 4,185 individuals

The CARE Mobile Food Pantry will continue through Aug. 27. Dates and locations are:

·  Mondays – 4 – 6 p.m. – Mt. Zion Apostolic Church, 4900 E. 38th St. (closed July 4)
·  Tuesdays – 4 -6 p.m. – Kroger Parking lot, 2630 W. Michigan St. (across from  IMPD Southwest District HQ)
·  Wednesdays – 4 – 6 p.m. – Eastside Community Baptist Church, 438 Wallace Ave.
·  Thursdays – 4 – 6 p.m. – Christ Our King Church, 2701 N. California St.
·  Saturdays – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Trinity Episcopal Church, 3243 N. Meridian St.
·  Saturdays – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Fervent Prayer Church, 10512 E. 38th St.

CARE information is available at 317.829.1800. The pantries are open to the public and no ID is required. Residents are asked to bring their own bags or boxes.