LIBERTY — According to feedingamerica.org, one in nine people in the state of Indiana are facing food insecurity, with food banks still serving pandemic level populations.
Liberty, Indiana, is in the second smallest county in the state, Union county. They are no stranger to food insecurity issues.
"We have a population of about 7-thousand people and those people are hungry, " Richard Worcester, a food pantry volunteer, said.
There are only two food pantries in the 165 square mile area. Noticing an uptick in food insecurity, Jan Showalter partnered with Gleaners in October to start a mobile food pantry.
"We had people coming over from Ohio, Rushville, Cambridge City and Centerville looking for assistance. They are struggling, " Showalter said.
Since October, the number of people served at their monthly drive has increased. This weekend they served over 220 families.
"No one wants to be here asking for or needing food,” Showalter said. “To see the suffering and embarrassment, and then to have to look at them and say, 'I'm sorry we ran out,' is frustrating. “
In February, the mobile food pantry ran out of food. Since then, the organizers have had to ask Gleaners for more.
"I had 10 cars with grandparents who were fighting back tears in shock. They were not only coming for food for themselves, but for their children and grandchildren," Showalter said.
Gleaners is facing issues too. Their donations are down from retail stores, so they have had to purchase more food than ever before.
For their current fiscal year, they are already over budget by $600,000. They predict by the end of 2023, they will be $2 million over budget.
Mobile pantry volunteers in Liberty are asking those with means to show some Hoosier hospitality.
"Jim Irsay, if you’re watching, write a check to Gleaners. The Pacers management, please write check to Gleaners,” Showalter said. “ If you want to get your players in shape, the first Saturday of every month they are welcome here to help pass out food."
If you would like to donate to Gleaners, you can do so by clicking here. To donate to organizations that help feed people in Union County click here.
-
Avon and Brownsburg face off in rivalry game of the year
Brownsburg defeated Avon 55‑47 in their showdown, but for both sides, the game was about more than just the final score — it was about community, pride and tradition.No. 22 Indiana win 73-0 over overmatched Indiana State
Indiana (3-0) allowed only 77 yards in its largest shutout victory since a 78-0 romp over Franklin on Oct. 19, 1901.A celebration of recovery: The Hawk Walk raises funds for local organizations
A celebration of recovery is happening in Lawrence as The 24 Group marks its 20th anniversary Hawk Walk on Saturday.VA closes Martinsville clinic, redirects veterans to Bloomington for healthcare
The VA clinic in Martinsville closed for good on Friday. The clinic's services are moving to the new Bloomington VA clinic, which will open on Monday.