WHO IS INDY HUNGER NETWORK (IHN)?
Started in 2009 as the recession hit, Indy Hunger Network is a collaborative organization made up of representatives of leading anti-hunger organizations and corporations in the Greater Indianapolis area. By working together, we make the systems that feed the hungry more efficient and effective.
Today over a dozen projects have been completed with the help of our over 15 partner organizations.
OUR IHN TEAM
We have a small but mighty team and are a proud certified Good Wages Choice Employer.
Sarah Chappell
Sarah Chappell is the Cooking Matters Program Coordinator for Indy Hunger Network. Before joining Indy Hunger Network, Chappell volunteered with Circles Indy for many years, served as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Georgia, and has worked in restaurants and with various youth organizations. In her role, Chappell combines these passions and is excited to connect with Marion County residents to cook healthy, budget-friendly meals.
Megan Gendig
Megan Gendig has been with IHN since 2017 and currently serves as the Cooking Matters Program Manager. Gendig started at IHN as an AmeriCorps VISTA for the Cooking Matters program and now oversees that program as a full-time staff member. Megan enjoys teaching others the importance of cooking a healthy, nutritious meal on a budget. Learn more about Megan’s experience here.
Kate Howe
Kate Howe has been with IHN since 2016 and currently serves as the Executive Director. Howe became interested in food insecurity after serving as a volunteer and board member of Mid-North Food Pantry, exposing her to the challenges of poverty and food insecurity up close. Learn more about Howe’s experience here.
Caleb Kulinski
Caleb Kulinski currently serves as Director of Advocacy and Partner Engagement at IHN. Kulinski previously served as an AmeriCorps VISTA working on the Cooking Matters program from 2018-19. He comes to IHN with a strong passion for public service experience working with a variety of community stakeholders across Marion County. Kulinski coordinates the VISTA program and facilitates professional development programming for VISTA members. Learn more about Kulinski’s experiences here.
Tom Lageveen
Tom Lageveen is the Community Compass Coordinator for IHN. After working in the service industry for years, Tom took a certification in Informatics through Ivy Tech. Looking for positive ways to apply his new training, he found a VISTA position at Indy Hunger Network working with Community Compass and now serves on the staff full-time.
Anastasia Oguntade
Anastasia Oguntade is the Healthy Nudges Program Coordinator for Indy Hunger Network. Growing up in Virginia, she developed her passion for helping others through volunteer experiences at local food pantries. While currently pursuing a general studies degree and international certification in lactation consulting, she is now working to make healthy food accessible to underserved and overlooked communities. Learn more about Oguntade’s experiences here.
Alex Sindorf
Alex Sindorf is the Food Assistance Programs Manager for IHN. Sindorf has been involved with farming and other food-related work since earning her B.S. in Urban Community Development. In her role with IHN, Alex works with the Food Pantry Network, Food Drop, Community Compass, SNAP & WIC Marketing, and other programs.
Ann-Marie Valdez
Ann–Marie Valdez is the Cooking Matters Program Assistant for Indy Hunger Network. Valdez first learned of IHN when she and her children took the Cooking Matters Course. She was immediately moved by the impact that the program had on the local community and became a volunteer before joining the IHN staff to work for the program.
OUR IHN VISTA TEAM
Indy Hunger Network is a proud partner with AmeriCorps,
which provides funding to operate the AmeriCorps VISTA program. Here are our current VISTA members.
Jack Hamilton
Jack Hamilton is the IHN Development and Communications VISTA at IHN. Hamilton is focused on communications and fundraising in the nonprofit space and can’t wait to serve his community through his work with IHN.
Max Kim
Max Kim is the Food Assistance Programs Coordinator VISTA at IHN. Kim works on projects relating to the Food Pantry Network in Greater Indianapolis and hopes to make the world a better place through his work at IHN.
Emily Patterson
Emily Patterson is the Cooking and Nutrition Education Coordinator VISTA at IHN. Patterson works on the Cooking Matters program, where she has also volunteered and interned previously.