Column: Local pantries need donations year-round

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By State Sen. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis)

The holiday season is here, and so is the giving spirit. Donations to food pantries drastically increase during this time of year. Thanks to the kindness of others, thousands of financially burdened families are able to enjoy Christmas dinners.

Unfortunately, once the holidays are over, donations and volunteers decrease significantly. Yet, the hunger remains.

One in six Hoosiers are food insecure, meaning they are uncertain of the availability of nutritionally adequate food or the ability to acquire acceptable food.

Fortunately, our community has dozens of food banks open all year long. In addition to warm meals, there is a wide variety of assistance programs, social services, referrals and other help provided by local pantries.

Some facilities will even help families apply for government aid like food stamps or homeless prevention resources.

Pantries are currently seeking donations of turkeys, hams, chickens, vegetables, fruits, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pie fillings—along with warm, winter clothing!

I volunteer at the Lord’s Pantry at Anna’s House. It is located at 303 North Elder Street in Indianapolis. Meals, case management, clothing and free food are all provided at Anna’s House.

I encourage those who are able to donate to families in need to volunteer and donate, not just this holiday season, but whenever possible. The painful truth is that hunger doesn’t take a holiday. It’s our most basic need. People need to eat, and Hoosier families need our help.

My office is also available as an additional resource. You can always contact me by phone at 234-9400 or by email at [email protected] with feedback or questions.


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