Skip to main content

Local group says almost 13 percent in county lack food

About 12.8 percent of Huntington County residents, or 4,730 people, lack access to enough food for an active, healthy life, according to the Health and Wellness Coalition of Huntington County.

Remedying that situation, at a cost of $2.39 per meal, would cost $1.995 million, the coalition says.

However, community members can help combat hunger by getting involved in any of several programs, the coalition notes. Programs include:

• Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, which pays processing fees for large game and livestock. On average, a donated pig can provide 400 meals and a cow can provide 2,000 meals. Participating area processors are Vining Slaughter Haus, WW Locker and Lengerich Meats. For information, contact Kelley Miller at Love INC, 356-0933, or Rose Broyles at Bread of Life, in Warren, at 224-8629.

• K-12 Food Rescue, which accepts unopened food from school cafeterias. The food is distributed through the food pantry at Love INC. Volunteers are needed to pick up the food from schools. To volunteer, contact Miller at Love INC.

• Helping Hands Community Garden, located on Viking Lane and maintained largely by volunteers. Last year, more than 10,800 pounds of produce was harvested and distributed. To volunteer at the garden, contact Natalie Porter at the Purdue Extension Huntington County office, 358-4826 or porte102@purdue.edu.

• Blessings in a Backpack, which provides 340 Huntington County students with food for weekends. Volunteers are needed to pick up and pack food. For information, contact Craig Johnson at craig@johnson-realty.net.

• Senior Pak, which distributes food to eligible Seniors twice a month through St. Peter’s First Community Church. The program is overseen by Dottie McCurley. Volunteers are needed to pick up and pack the food, and donations of fresh produce and eggs are welcome. For information, call the church at 356-7728.

• Gleaning, the process of picking from the field the fruits and produce a farmer will not take to market and which is likely to be plowed under. Area farmers who have an opportunity for gleaning and volunteers willing to do the gleaning should call Love INC.

• New Life Community Meal Ministry, which uses volunteers to serve a free daily meal to those in need. The ministry, founded in 2007, serves more than 16,000 meals a year. To volunteer or make a donation, contact Robert Burnsworth at rburns worth@cbrwg.com.

• Plant a Row for the Hungry, in which gardeners expand their gardens with the intention of donating the extra produce to a community organization working to feed the hungry. To participate, contact any organization or ministry that provides food.