Gleaners doubles downs on effort to feed Hoosiers amid government shutdown

INDIANAPOLIS — Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana is “redoubling” down on its effort to feed Hoosiers facing the effects of the government shutdown.

Fred Glass, President and CEO of Gleaners Food Bank said, “With food insecurity already at its highest rates in a decade, this unnecessary SNAP cutoff will likely not only plunge hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers deeper into food insecurity, but abject hunger.

Gleaners has built itself into one of the nation’s leading sources and distributors of nutritious charitable food, and we are using that expertise to help protect food-insecure Hoosiers during these heretofore unimaginable times.”

Gleaners is implementing changes by stocking up on food and increasing staff. According to a press release from the organization, they will purchase food directly from farmers, growers, and producers as an unbudgeted cost that will be met through fundraising and other sources.

The food will be provided to Hoosiers through pantries and food banks to ensure no one is turned away, according to their statement.

Their staff is increasing effort by working on Veterans Day and extending their work shifts.

Due to the government shutdown, Gleaners has already fed approximately 150 TSA employees. Gleaners will have an additional distribution for TSA workers on Nov. 7. The organization is also working to feed individuals that work for other federal agencies.

“For every meal the entire charitable food system provides, the federal government has traditionally provided nine,” Glass said.

“So when the federal government abdicates that role, no one food bank – or even every food bank working together – can come close to meeting the needs of the hungry left behind. Still, Gleaners is working with its employees, volunteers, donors, pantries, and other partners to do everything possible to support our neighbors facing hunger in this perilous moment.”

Donate, volunteer, and learn more about their fight against hunger here.