INDIANAPOLIS — Alexandra Garcia works hard to make sure no one in her southwest side community goes hungry.
Garcia is the food pantry director at Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer, which in the last year has helped between 400 and 500 people in need.
“It’s people, immigrants (that) come. They have nowhere to live. They don’t have food at all. There are so many homeless around this area," Garcia said.
In Marion County alone, there are more than 130 food pantries in churches like Garcia’s.
Statewide, churches make up an estimated 70 percent of all pantries.
On Friday, hundreds gathered for a 24-hour-long prayer and worship session to address food insecurity.
“Believe it or not there’s more food that’s being thrown away than being giving away," Merlin Gonzales, President of Faith Hope and Love, said.
Gonzales' organization trains and equips faith-based food pantries to alleviate hunger in neighborhoods around central Indiana.
“Churches want to help people because that’s part of their mission. To feed the poor, to feed the hungry, to give drink to the thirsty," Gonzales said.
Gonzales says the purpose of the gathering is unity. He hopes it will bring Hoosiers of all different ethnicities, languages and races.
“Without the unity of the churches, the food pantries aren’t going to survive. Many people are going to be affected by the food insecurity that’s happening in Indianapolis," Gonzales said.
If you’d like to get involved, the worship and prayer will continue until Saturday at 6 p.m. at 1460 S. Belmont Ave.
-
Indiana lawmakers won't study sale of driver data this year
The Indiana General Assembly’s Legislative Council has decided lawmakers will not study the state’s practice of selling drivers’ personal information—at least, not this year.
IMPD: Shooting that killed 2-year-old girl on near northeast side ruled accident
IMPD is investigating the death of a victim who drove themselves to the hospital after a shooting on the near northeast side of Indianapolis on Friday.
IMPD arrests 18-year-old within hours of carjacking on Indy's near east side
Police arrested an 18-year-old within hours after a carjacking on Indy's near east side on Thursday.
Low-end severe storms may bring gusty winds & heavy rain this weekend
A round of strong storms could impact Indianapolis this weekend bringing the potential for damaging wind and heavy rain. Our risk is conditional, meaning everything has to come together just right.
