Gleaners beefing up refrigerated space in $3.2M expansion project
The state’s largest hunger-relief organization has in recent years dramatically increased the amount of produce, dairy products, lean meats and other perishables it provides.
The state’s largest hunger-relief organization has in recent years dramatically increased the amount of produce, dairy products, lean meats and other perishables it provides.
The nation’s overburdened food pantries tend to only have access to canned fruits and vegetables. But call before dropping off your fresh produce.
Some local entities have increased their attention on retaining existing staff, encouraging volunteers to move into paid positions and expanding their searches when jobs become available by targeting recent graduates or community clubs or schools.
John Elliott, who took over as CEO and president of the state’s largest food bank in September, has spent the last four months focused on opening the not-for-profit to new ideas that could lead to feeding more people on fewer dollars.
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana reported seeing a 10 percent to 15 percent decrease in donations for the year compared to last year, and Second Helpings said it had only hit 50 percent of its goal for monthly donations, as of Monday.
Kroger Co. executive John Elliott has been approved to succeed Cindy Hubert by Gleaners' board of directors.
One of Gov. Mike Pence’s favorite charities is Midwest Food Bank, a faith-based alternative to Gleaners, the region’s dominant player in hunger relief.
Members of the Indy Hunger Network knew it would take discipline when they set the goal of feeding 185 million meals every year—27 million more than they do now—by 2015.
Indianapolis last year sold 154 properties from its land bank for $1,000 each to a novice not-for-profit, which immediately flipped them for a total $500,000 profit. More than a dozen have changed hands multiple times since then, making investors more than $1 million. (with interactive map)
Hunger-fighting charities hope to tap volunteers and resources for special projects through a new entity, the Indy Hunger Network.
“Blueprint 2” calls on well-meaning church and charity groups to stop delivering food directly to homeless camps. Professional outreach teams report that this enables people who may have addictions or mental health problems to continue living outside.
Gleaners Food Bank, Indiana University Health, the city of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Parks Foundation announced Wednesday they're teaming up on the project called Indy Urban Acres.
Gleaners Food Bank plans to buy a refrigerated truck to supply more fresh produce, dairy and meat to central Indiana pantries, thanks to a $50,000 grant from Kraft Foods.
After a national search, Cindy Hubert, CEO of Indianapolis-based Second Helpings, will take the reins from longtime Gleaners leader Pamela Altmeyer in November.
CEO Pamela Altmeyer reevaluated her priorities
and decided to step down after a family tragedy and the agency's latest capital campaign.
The 63-year-old head of the central Indiana food bank plans to leave after a nationwide search for her successor. She departs
as the group ramps up plans to move into a new headquarters.
The group hopes to raise as much as $100,000 in conjunction with May 14 talk at Conseco Fieldhouse.
Charities in Indiana have reported increased requests for help with rent, utility costs, food and other services.
Many hunger-relief
charities area trying to get their hands on more fresh produce. It’s not an easy task. Second-rate and leftover fruit and
vegetables abound, but the distribution network is fragmented.