Rural communities are feeling the impact of decreases in food bank donations

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.