Be a Good Neighbor: Help Those Who Are Hungry

Do you know how many of your neighbors are struggling with hunger? The truth is, 223,570 people face food insecurity - including more than 67,000 children - in Central Indiana. Hunger is a persistent problem within the Hoosier state, one that United Way of Central Indiana fights every single day, because our neighbors must have adequate food in order to achieve self-sufficiency. Food is a basic need that everyone in our community should have access to - and those who struggle to make ends meet may not have that option. Which is why we do well to remember the words of Mother Teresa, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." As Hunger Action Month winds down, it's not too late to be a good neighbor in your community, because who knows when that one, might be you. Anyone can find a volunteer role at food banks, soup kitchens, community gardens and other sites. We have a range of unique volunteer opportunities to benefit everyone across our six-county region, no matter your skills or schedule, such as: 

• Food banks: Check your pantries for food you may not eat, and pack it for distribution
• Check on your neighbors: Give food to families who are facing hunger
• Food drives: Attend or run a food drive at your organization, school, or business
• Meal packing: Join or organize a meal packing event so families have non-perishable meals year-round
• Snack packs for kids: Assemble snack packs for local schools - teachers will then distribute to students who may not have food with them

 People from all walks of lives can become food insecure - no matter their financial status; and many Hoosiers are just one paycheck away from ending up hungry. It takes good neighbors to come together to help those hungry, one meal at a time.