Indy Hunger Network is a coalition of nonprofits, corporations, and government agencies working together to reduce hunger in the greater Indianapolis area.
Our mission is to address systemic hunger issues and eliminate disparities in the Greater Indianapolis hunger relief system through collaboration on programs, advocacy, and research.
1. Foster collaboration and coordination amongst partners and stakeholders
2. Advocate for policies that will alleviate hunger and its root causes
3. Lead programs that fill gaps in our hunger relief system outside of the missions of our partner organizations
4. Support hunger relief partners in their efforts to improve efficiency and effectiveness
5. Conduct research to monitor food insecurity in our community and inform our collective goals
6. Raise awareness of hunger and how to address it
Indy Hunger Network started when the recession hit in 2009. Together with the Mayor’s Office, the CEO of Second Helpings initiated a series of meetings with local hunger relief leaders to learn more about how food assistance systems operate. This group’s initial goal was to forge connections between leading anti-hunger organizations and meet the needs of our neighbors through their work together.
In Indianapolis, we found that hundreds of local organizations helped to give out food. When we studied how food was passed from these groups to the community, we found opportunities to make these processes better. By 2010, we made plans for a wide range of potential projects and began work. By 2011, we knew more about where the food was coming from and how much there was to give. We understood what Indy Hunger Network should be focused on: making the most of the food we have on hand in the best way possible.
In 2012, we launched the Indy Hunger Network to the public, thanks to a large grant from the Lilly Corporate Foundation. From this, we were able to grow our team and get the word out about our mission and programs. We hosted a community leaders breakfast event and became incorporated as an official nonprofit organization.
With our partners, we serve as a convener for collective innovation and problem solving within the charitable food system. We lead several programs to address local food insecurity.
