For only the third year since its founding in 1982 but for the third year in a row, Hoosier Hills Food Bank has distributed over 2 million pounds of food. Through August 31st, the food bank’s partner agencies have received 2,011,090 pounds of food, up 27% over the same period last year.
“For the past two years, we’ve hit the 2 million pound mark in mid-November. This year, we hit it in August. That says a lot,” said HHFB Executive Director Julio Alonso.
Higher levels of food are reaching all six counties in the HHFB service area. Brown County distribution is up 47%, boosted in part by over 16,000 pounds of bottled water distributed during last month’s storms. Distribution of food to Lawrence County is up 65%; Martin County is up by 9.5%; Monroe County up 25%; Orange County up 12% and Owen County up 22%.
“We are just so grateful that continued community generosity is making it possible for us to try and meet this need. Donations have been steady, we’ve had 65% more federal commodities to distribute, and we’ve had the resources to purchase 150% more food. But, it has been a challenge and community food drives are going to be critical for the rest of the year. September is Hunger Action Month and there is a unique opportunity to help keep this food flowing. Senator Richard Lugar has brought together three major food retailers to conduct a month long statewide food drive for all Indiana food banks. Customers at all Kroger, Marsh (including O’Malia’s) and Walmart stores can make food donations throughout September as part of the Hoosiers Fighting Hunger food drive,” said Alonso.
Hoosier Hills Food Bank collects and distributes over 2.4 million pounds of food annually to over 100 non-profit agencies in Brown, Lawrence, Orange, Owen, Martin and Monroe counties. www.hhfoodbank.org
