Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many lower-income workers lost their jobs, local food pantries have been inundated with more families seeking food.  

To support local pantry efforts, Heart of Indiana United Way is launching a focused fundraising campaign for the month of April to address our region’s increased need for healthy food during this challenging time for many families. The “Feeding our Neighbors Campaign” will support at least 17 local food pantries across the 5 counties served by Heart of Indiana United Way – Delaware, Henry, Fayette, Madison and Randolph with funds to purchase additional food and necessities for distributions. 

Those interested in supporting the Feed our Neighbors campaign can participate in several different ways. Individuals can donate, host their own fundraising pages, and/or take the SNAP Challenge. The SNAP Challenge encourages participants to try and feed themselves for only $43.75 for the week – the average SNAP benefit a person struggling with food insecurity receives. The goal is to raise awareness of the challenges faced by those dealing with food insecurity, as well as raise money to support local pantry efforts to distribute food. Those taking the SNAP Challenge are encouraged to share their participation and experience on their social media platforms.   

“There is great power when we all come together to meet our communities’ critical needs and that’s what food insecurity is for our friends and neighbors – critical,” Heart of Indiana United Way President and CEO Jenni Marsh said. “Donations of food are great and are needed but when we give money to our local pantries, they have the ability to supplement what they are giving out with exactly what they need when they need it.”  

Pantries that will benefit from funds raised include:  Anderson First Church of the Nazarene, Carrie Mae Hyatt Food Pantry, Christian Ministries, Community Sharing Foundation, Community Shepard’s Food Pantry–Gaston United Methodist,  Fayette County Community Voices, Friends Church Pantry, God’s Grain Bin, Henry County Salvation Army, Inside Out, Operation Love Ministries, Park Place Food Pantry, Parker Community Food Pantry, Salvation Army – Madison County, Second Harvest, Union City Community Help Center, Whitely Community Council,  and Winchester Area Churches and Community Food Pantry.    

Those interested in setting up their own personal fundraising pages through United Way or signing up for the SNAP Challenge can do so at www.heartofindiana.org/feedmyneighbor. 

Persons wishing to make a direct donation to the Feeding Our Neighbor campaign may direct their donations to the “Feeding our Neighbors Campaign”, c/o Heart of Indiana United Way, P.O. Box 968 Muncie, IN 47308.  Online contributions can be made by texting FeedMyNeighbor to 41444 or visiting www.heartofindiana.org/feedmyneighbor. 

All contributions are tax-deductible.