Indy Hunger Network provides training and networking opportunities for the nearly 200 food pantries in Indianapolis.
Our focus is on helping existing pantries collaborate with other pantries, increase their effectiveness, and adopt best practices.
Food Pantry Summit
Indy Hunger Network organizes an annual Food Pantry Summit, which convenes all food pantries Indianapolis for a day of networking, training, and connecting with other organizations. The next Pantry Summit will be in Spring 2024.
Food Pantry Coalition Groups
Marion County has almost 200 food pantries. In order to bring neighboring pantry leaders together to learn from one another and collaborate, Indy Hunger Network facilitates quarterly meetings for pantry leaders in five different geographic groups across the county. These meetings are informal opportunities for nearby pantry leaders to connect with and learn from one another. To join the next meeting, contact us.
Manual of Best Practices
With input from food pantry leaders and our partner organizations, Indy Hunger Network compiled the Manual of Best Practices for Food Pantries in 2020. This document outlines strategies pantries can adopt to increase their effectiveness. The manual begins with a Self-Assessment, and includes ideas for connecting with local organizations. If your food pantry needs a hard copy, please contact us.
Grant Program for Food Pantries
Since 2015, Indy Hunger Network has funded capital improvements to build capacity within the largest pantries in Indianapolis. Since 2020, we have offered small grants to food pantries of all sizes in Marion County. These grants funded projects that would increase capacity, improve operations, and implement best practices. Our next grant cycle will open in Summer 2023.
Healthy Nudges Assistance
Indy Hunger Network offers technical assistance and equipment to food pantries in Central Indiana that are working to encourage their clients to select healthy food options in the pantry. If your pantry would like to participate in this program, please fill out the interest form.
Data Collection
Indianapolis has a large and complex emergency food system. Through our Food Pantry Network, we work to maintain accurate data sets and maps of food pantries in Marion County. Keeping track of where food pantries are located and how residents can utilize them helps us better understand the emergency food system and its trends.