STATEHOUSE (April 17, 2021) – Area legislators recently volunteered at Community Harvest Food Bank to help distribute food items to local families in need.
State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne), along with a bi-partisan group of state lawmakers, is raising hunger awareness as part of a partnership between the Indiana House of Representatives and Feeding Indiana's Hungry, the state's food bank association. He said this year, the House teamed up with the association and its 11-member food banks to collect and distribute non-perishable food items.
"Seeing first-hand how Community Harvest Food Bank helps our neighbors is amazing," said Judy, a Community Harvest Food Bank board member. "Serving on the board has shown me the passion that goes into assisting those in need. I'm beyond grateful for all of the work of the volunteers and staff along with Feeding Indiana's Hungry to help Hoosiers who are struggling to make ends meet."
State Rep. Dan Leonard (R-Huntington) said House lawmakers raised over $6,000 and collected about 1,000 donated items at the Statehouse this session with help from contributions from Meijer, Kroger, Lowe's and the Indiana Retail Council. Leonard said many legislators across the state are also volunteering with their regional food bank to help make a difference and raise awareness.
"Speaking with the people in our area and hearing their needs and concerns is an extremely important aspect of serving as a lawmaker," Leonard said. "Over the past year, more Hoosiers turned to their local food bank for help, and they responded in a big way. I'm thankful for all of their work to help end hunger and provide hope to Hoosiers."
State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) said Community Harvest Food Bank serves nine counties, including Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells and Whitley. Community Harvest Food Bank served 112,098 people last year and distributed over 17.1 million pounds of food.
"Community Harvest offers a litany of programs, including mobile pantries, prepared meals for kids after school and during summer break, and nine months worth of groceries for veterans and military families," Carbaugh said. "They want to reduce the number of Hoosier families that are food insecure to zero, and donating your time or nonperishable food items is instrumental in meeting this goal."
According to State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne), there are many ways to help including donating money or food, hosting a food drive or simply volunteering. Hoosiers who are food insecure or would like to make a donation or volunteer can learn more by visiting www.communityharvest.org.
"Donations are essential to making sure the food banks can continue their work, but they also desperately need volunteers," Morris said. "Volunteer opportunities are available right on the website, and it is easy to sign up or find other ways to help."
“We couldn’t be happier to host our representatives who are no strangers to the food bank,” said Carmen Cumberland, Community Harvest Executive President. “The support of our leaders means that more families will get the access to food that they so desperately need. Last year, our representatives were incredibly supportive and responsive during a difficult and uncertain time. Hunger is a human need, and it affects everyone. When it counted, everyone came together to do the right thing and get food out into communities desperately in need of help. We are proud to stand with them today to continue serving our friends and neighbors.”
In 2020 alone, Feeding Indiana's Hungry distributed 150 million pounds of food to member banks and food pantries, which is equivalent to 125 million individual meals. To find more information on how to donate, volunteer or receive support and resources, visit FeedingIndianasHungry.org.
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State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 81, which includes a portion of Allen County.
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State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) represents House District 83,
which includes portions of Allen and Whitley counties.
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State Rep. Dan Leonard (R-Huntington) represents House District 50, which
includes all of Huntington County and portions of Allen and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 84, which includes a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
CAPTION: State Reps. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne)(left), and Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) stand ready to distribute food boxes to local families in need April 17, 2021, at the Community Harvest Food Bank in Fort Wayne. The Indiana House of Representatives partnered with Feeding Indiana's Hungry and its 11-member food banks to collect and distribute non-perishable food items to raise hunger awareness.
