Volunteers with Bank of America on Tuesday rolled up their sleeves to fight food insecurity right here in Indiana.

It’s all part of the Million Meal Initiative.

Fifty volunteers gathered at an office near 96th Street and College Avenue to pack more than 5,000 casserole meals to feed hungry families. The co-founder of million meals tells us that food insecurity in Indiana is higher than the national average.

Nancy Hintz, executive director and co-founder of the Million Meal Movement, said, “This is what makes this kind of work so valuable to the state of Indiana, everyone gets involved.”

In Indiana alone, 1 million people – including 1 in 5 children – don’t know where they’ll get their next meal.

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New restrictions on SNAP benefits may increase demand on food banks and the local pantries they fill. The Indy Hunger Network is bracing for the challenge as they already see a higher demand for food banks.

The Indy Hunger Network provides networking opportunities for over 210 food pantries across Indianapolis. They focus on helping established pantries collaborate with other pantries to be better service providers. They also offer nutrition related assistance through the Healthy Nudges Program and they also make small grants for food pantries.

Outside of helping pantries, Indy Hunger Network goes directly to those in need to teach them how to cook healthy meals.

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A church on the west side of Indianapolis will soon enter a battle against food insecurity.

The congregation on Saturday will celebrate the opening of a food pantry.

Over the past six months, church leaders and volunteers have partnered with local organizations to gain the skills and resources needed to support families in need, providing them with hope and practical assistance.

The International Church-Jesus Christ is My Refuge is preparing for a ceremony to showcase its members’ dedication and hard work. This event will launch the food pantry and signal a new era of compassionate service on the west side of Indianapolis.

Merlin Gonzales is president and CEO of Faith, Hope, & Love Community, a nondenominational network of food partners in Indianapolis. “Training volunteers is important. They are as important or even more important than the food we give to people because as we care for people and understand their deeper needs, maybe with education, additional technical training, or addiction counseling, then we will be able to support them.”

Churches operate 71% of U.S. food pantries.

Last week, leaders and volunteers from three emerging missional food pantry teams in Indianapolis gathered for an administration and operations training session. Participants gained skills and plans to uplift those they serve.

“Beyond food, many people are spiritually, emotionally and, of course, physically hungry. So, we maximize the point of contact, and that’s why we train our volunteers, who are the frontline and the face of the food pantry, and change the tradition/culture of how we help the food-insecure population,” Gonzales said.

Volunteers are trained to engage businesses for support. Expanding the missional food pantry network represents advancement for the churches and the Indianapolis community.

“In the process of providing emergency food assistance, we should not stop there. We should be thinking about those individuals’ long-term help and sustainability.”

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March marks National Nutrition Month, highlighting the importance of healthy meals for children both at home and in schools.

School nutrition programs play a crucial role in ensuring students receive nutritious meals that support their academic performance and overall well-being.

School nutrition programs also alleviate stress for families by reducing the financial burden of providing meals and ensuring that children receive balanced nutrition.

These programs are guided by standards set by the USDA, which include dietary guidelines that schools must follow to ensure meals are healthy and balanced.

For example, the Child and Adult Care Food Program requires that canned fruit be served in 100% fruit syrup instead of sugary syrups, and that milk served is 1% to reduce saturated fat intake.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to understand the guidelines and food choices made in school meals, as they serve as role models for their children’s eating habits.

School nutrition programs are vital for promoting food security and reducing barriers for families, ensuring that students can focus on learning without the distraction of hunger.

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Many Americans rely heavily on ultra-processed foods, which make up 60% of the average diet, posing potential health risks.

Ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, are industrially manufactured items like chips, packaged cookies, and sugary drinks that are high in added sugar and sodium. These foods often contain a long list of chemical ingredients and pack a lot of calories into small servings, making them easy to overeat. This can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of diabetes.

Canned fish such as tuna, salmon and sardines are budget-friendly options that provide protein. Pre-cooked soups and whole grains can also save time in the kitchen, but it’s important to check their sodium content.

By reducing the intake of sugary sodas and energy drinks, individuals can significantly improve their overall health. Finding a balance between enjoying life and maintaining a healthy diet is key.

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As National Nutrition Month winds down, a local expert urges everyone to think internationally, too.

“If you think about it, food is something we all have in common,” Community Health Network Registered Dietitian Elilta Sawyers said. “From traditions to cultures to things that we pass down generation from generation. And so I think it’s important that we understand the benefits that we can all have when we kind of step outside our boundaries a little bit and try new things and all the wonderful health benefits that can come with that.”

Sawyers says the idea of expanding nutritional horizons need not happen half a world away, but can instead happen even across the shortest of distances.

“Share! Share what you have, right? Share the traditions that you had growing up to the next person. You’d be surprised about what they’d adopt.”

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it is ending two COVID-era programs that help schools and food banks purchase food from local suppliers and expand healthy eating options.

The USDA confirmed the cuts to News 8 on Thursday.

According to the School Nutrition Association (SNA), around $660 million in funds will be cut from the Local Food for Schools (LFS) and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LPEA) programs.

SNA, a national advocacy group focused on advancing school meal programs, says that LFS supports local producers and assists schools and child care facilities in expanding fresh, local menu options.

LPFA functions similarly, providing food banks assistance to obtain goods from local providers.

The USDA told News 8 the programs will not end immediately and will continue operating until Sept. 30. A spokesperson said, “This isn’t an abrupt shift. Just last week, USDA released over half a billion in previously obligated funds for LFPA and LFS to fulfill existing commitments and support ongoing local food purchases.”

Ending the programs will suspend nearly $1 billion in federal spending. Government data shows Indiana will lose approximately $11.3 million in funds for school meal programs and local food banks.

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Egg prices are reaching new heights, and many are flocking to another solution.

Despite avian influenza leading to the deaths over 6 million birds in Indiana, one farmer says smaller backyard flocks could help to keep a favorite protein on the table.

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