5 minute read
Pantry Power: Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition Coordinates Help for Locals in Need
Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided
When the pandemic hit the United States last spring, questions, anxieties, and concerns increased as many families had much to figure out. How was this global health crisis going to affect them physically, psychologically and economically? For those who already suffered food insecurity in Hendricks County, worry loomed.
Thankfully, in 2006 the Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition (HCFPC) was created. Operating under the umbrella of the Hendricks County Community Foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the HCFPC helps to meet dietary needs of residents, and offers training and education to the affiliated food pantries by working with members and other support agencies.
The HCFPC consists of 20 food pantries, three pet food pantries and one personal hygiene pantry, from North Salem to Plainfield and Stilesville to the far east side of Avon.
According to Mindy Duckett, board member for the HCFPC, at the start of the pandemic the organization’s leaders witnessed an increase in requests. Those numbers leveled off when stimulus checks arrived, and when unemployment and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits increased. Services increased again when the extra benefits ended, and rent and utility moratoriums came to a halt.
“Our pantries have increased the amount of food they are distributing to each family to help fill the gaps,” says Duckett, who is also a community wellness coordinator for Purdue Extension in Hendricks County. “Even when our numbers have leveled out, the amount of food we are giving away has increased.”
The best way to support food pantries is with monetary donations so the HCFPC can make bulk purchases of needed items and distribute them to participating pantries.
“This buying power allowed us to keep pantry shelves stocked with healthy meal components even at our highest service times,” Duckett says.
Monetary donations can be made online through the Hendricks County Community Foundation.
The HCFPC staff members are grateful for food donations, nonperishable items, as well as meat and dairy, as their member pantries have cold storage to distribute meat, eggs and dairy items.
“The most requested items besides food are hygiene and household items,” Duckett says. “These cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits but are necessities. Families are so grateful to receive things like shampoo, toothpaste, body wash and paper products.”
Duckett says monetary and food donations are what keep the organization running, and she acknowledges that while many people have not been drastically affected by the pandemic, others have been severely impacted and are struggling to make ends meet each month.
“Our pantries have seen many new families who have never used a food pantry in the past,” says Duckett, noting that the organization’s leaders had to change how they distribute food in order to keep everyone safe.
For instance, they moved to outdoor drive-up distribution.
“As the weather turns colder and the evenings get dark sooner, we will have new issues to take into consideration for distribution,” Duckett adds. “Volunteers will be important to be able to continue these distribution models.”
Avon (317) 271-7760 10791 E. US Hwy 36 Chick--l-A.com/Avon
Plainneld (317) 839-4886 2687 E. Main St. Chick--l-A.com/Plain-eld
exclusively by volunteers, they are always eager for help. If you’re interested in learning about volunteer opportunities, contact the coalition by visiting their website or reach out to a pantry in your community.
For more information about the Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition, or to donate to the Community Foundation, visit hendrickscountyfoodpantries.com.
Visit the Following Pantry Sites in Avon, Brownsburg and Plainfield:
Avon
Faith Lutheran Church 5706 E. County Road 100 North 317-272-1022 Light and Life Food Pantry 8264 E. County Road 100 South 317-839-5151
Our Shepherd Lutheran Church 9201 E. County Road 100 North 317-271-9103
Mary Lee Maier Community Pantry Avon Intermediate School East Door #13 174 State Road 267 317-544-5800
Brownsburg
Messiah Lutheran Church 801 S. Green St. 317-852-2988
Plainfield
GraceWay Fellowship Church 8446 E. County Road 700 S. 317-800-5509 St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church 1001 Concord Rd. 317-840-0380
Plainfield Church Federation Food Pantry (St. Mark’s) 710 E. Buchanan St. 317-767-0365
$20 OFF Brake Repair MUFFLER & BRAKE SERVICERalph’s
Valid at Avon location ONLY. Most passenger vehicles and light trucks. Disposal or Environmental fess not included. Not valid with other offers. Must present coupon before service. Expires 1-30-21. Avon Magazine.
$20 OFF
Any Exhaust Service Over $150
MUFFLER & BRAKE SERVICERalph’s Valid at Avon location ONLY. Most passenger vehicles and light trucks. Disposal or Environmental fess not included. Not valid with other offers. Must present coupon before service. Expires 1-30-21. Avon Magazine.
$10 OFF Flush & Fill MUFFLER & BRAKE SERVICERalph’s
Valid at Avon location ONLY. Not valid with other offers. Must present coupon before service. Reg price $89.95 Expires 1-30-21. Avon Magazine. MUFFLER & BRAKE SERVICERalph’s No Appointment Necessary Family Owned & Operated Since 1948 Mon–Thurs: 8 am–5 pm Fri: 8 am–6 pm, Sat: 8 am–1 pm
PUT OUR EXPERTISE TO WORK FOR YOU
Mufflers • Brakes • Shocks/Struts • CV Axles • Belts and Wipers • Oil Changes and Batteries • Coolant System Maintenance • Air Conditioning Service • Alternators and Starters • AND MORE
240 S. Dan Jones Rd (Behind Lowes) AVON • 317-272-6294 ralphsmufflerandbrakesshops.com
10% OFF
ENTIRE BILL present this coupon to receive 10% OFF your lunch or dinner
Valid Mon-Fri only with coupon. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 1-30-21. Avon Magazine. FREE APPETIZER UP TO $7 WITH ANY PURCHASE OF $25 OR MORE
Valid 7 days a week with coupon only. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 1-30-21. Avon Magazine.
1 FREE
MEAL & DESSERT ON YOUR BIRTHDAY *When dining in with your family or friends.
DINE WITH AN ISLAND VIEW
• Full Bar • Gryos • Saganaki • Fresh Made Hummus • Dolmades • Lamb • Big TVs • Reservations Welcome
FOLLOW US!
Owner, Gus Dagres
7900 US HWY 36 • AVON | (317) 707-7513 | OPAOFINDY.COM
• Tree Removal, Topping & Trimming • Shrub Trimming & Removal • Light Hauling • Construction Clean-up • Junk Removal • Brush Pile Cleaning • Garage/Basement/ Attic Cleanout • Gutter Cleaning • Mini Barn / Shed / Fence / Deck Demolition & Removal • Appliance / E-Waste Removal • Stump Grinding
One pet per visit. Avon Magazine. Expires 1/30/21
