Recent data from the 2025 Survey of Food Assistance Need in Central Indiana —released by the Indy Hunger Network (IHN)—paints a stark picture of hunger in our community. More than half (54 %) of households surveyed in nine Central Indiana counties experienced some level of food insecurity over the last year, and 37 % experienced “very low food security,” meaning they didn’t always have enough to eat. These households include working families, self-employed Hoosiers, and parents doing everything they can to provide for their kids.
This isn’t a statistic about “someone else.” It’s about our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and the community we call home.
Hunger Isn’t What You Think—It’s Closer Than You Know
The survey revealed something surprising: food insecurity in Central Indiana crosses county lines and income categories. A majority of food-insecure households have at least one person working, and hunger shows up in urban, suburban, and rural areas alike. That means the familiar story of hunger being limited to one neighborhood or demographic simply isn’t true.
Hungry people might be right next door—even if you don’t see it.
Why This Matters to Mid-North Food Pantry
Here at Mid-North Food Pantry, we’ve been stepping into the gap that this data highlights. Every week, we provide supplemental food and basic necessities to neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet, no questions asked. Our services include:
Nutritious food and pantry staples
Referrals to service agencies and nutritional guidance
Support navigating food assistance resources
Referrals to service agencies and nutritional guidance
Support navigating food assistance resources
We are proud to be part of a community-wide response—but the need is growing faster than ever.
Your Gift Goes Further Than You Think
While food drives and item donations are incredibly valuable, cash donations are even more powerful. With financial support, Mid-North Food Pantry can:
Purchase food at discounted bulk prices, stretching every dollar further.
Fill gaps where donated food and goods fall short.
Respond quickly when a family shows up in crisis.
Plan for future food needs and stability in our neighborhood.
Fill gaps where donated food and goods fall short.
Respond quickly when a family shows up in crisis.
Plan for future food needs and stability in our neighborhood.
Every dollar you give helps feed a neighbor today and builds a stronger safety net for tomorrow.
Hunger Is a Community Issue—And We Can Solve It Together
The IHN hunger study makes it clear: food insecurity isn’t confined to one group—it touches too many lives here in Central Indiana. Solutions require both immediate relief and lasting change. At Mid-North Food Pantry, we’re committed to both, but we cannot do it alone.
Here’s how you can help right now:
✔ Donate financially—your support helps us serve more families and stretch resources further.
✔ Advocate for food security policies—contact local leaders and share the results of the IHN hunger survey with your networks.
✔ Volunteer or spread the word—help us expand our reach and support more Hoosiers in need.
Together, we feed more than bodies—we nourish hope, dignity, and community.
✔ Advocate for food security policies—contact local leaders and share the results of the IHN hunger survey with your networks.
✔ Volunteer or spread the word—help us expand our reach and support more Hoosiers in need.
Together, we feed more than bodies—we nourish hope, dignity, and community.
Donate at midnorthfoodpantry.org/donate
Sources
Indy Hunger Network (IHN)—2025 Survey of Food Assistance Need in Central Indiana https://www.indyhunger.org/hungerstudies/
Mid-North Food Pantry—Programs, services, and impact https://www.midnorthfoodpantry.org
Indy Hunger Network (IHN)—2025 Survey of Food Assistance Need in Central Indiana https://www.indyhunger.org/hungerstudies/
Mid-North Food Pantry—Programs, services, and impact https://www.midnorthfoodpantry.org