STATEHOUSE (June 18, 2020) – State Reps. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) and Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville) encourage Hoosiers who may be struggling to make ends meet and needing food assistance to turn to the state's recently launched Operation Food program for help.
Indiana's community kitchens, pantries and food banks saw a 154% increase in visits since the onset of COVID-19, according to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. Barrett said throughout the public health crisis and during the state's ongoing recovery, many families need access to food and local programs are trying to keep up with the demand.
"Some Hoosiers are struggling financially as a result of the ongoing public health crisis," Barrett said. "The Operation Food program helps connect those needing food for themselves or their families to local sources. This is a great program to aid our community members impacted during this tough time."
Indiana's food distribution network is made up of 12 food banks, and nearly 1,750 pantries and community kitchens. To help pool resources and meet the need, Saunders said FSSA's Operation Food connects the network to hunger relief organizations, like Indy Hunger Network and Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, along with the Indiana State Health Department and the Department of Homeland Security.
"No Hoosier should ever go hungry," Saunders said. "I encourage those in need to seek help through this available resource, which can also be used to make donations to organizations working to feed those in our community."
Hoosiers can visit in.gov/fssa and click on "Food Assistance Availability Map" to find help nearby. The map includes pantries, meal sites with packed food ready to take home and eat, and school sites feeding students throughout the summer. Information is also provided on how to make a donation to local food banks as Indiana continues to recover from the health crisis.
Hoosiers can also call 211 to connect to additional resources and programs, including help with housing, utilities and summer food service options for children.
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State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes portions of Wayne County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville) represents House District 54,
which includes Henry County and portions of Rush and Wayne counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
