Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana launched its newest initiative, Operation Full Pack in July 2021. This distribution and support strategy is geared toward providing vital food and non-food products to individuals and families who are serving or have served in the armed forces. By helping supply a “full pack,” Second Harvest is providing support for those who serve to be better prepared for challenges they may face.
The work that local military agencies are doing to assist veterans in tackling some of the barriers they face is a natural way to get food and resources to families. “We are grateful to be partnering with local veteran serving agencies to help get food in the hands of those who need it. The local partners have an established relationship with veterans and military families and how to find them,” said Bekah Clawson, President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank. Volunteers of the partnering organizations are distributing food and supplies through drive-through and home delivery formats.
Currently, Operation Full Pack provides food and essential supplies to households of more than 150 local soldiers and veterans in need of support throughout East Central Indiana. The program is expanding to member food banks throughout Indiana to become a statewide initiative. Emily Weikert Bryant, Executive Director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry states, “All of our food banks are excited to see Operation Full Pack expand into other parts of the state. This collaborative model will continue to help reach more veterans and military family members in need.”
