Can I be a pantry host?

We get questions regularly, lots of questions. Neighbors ask us about pantry usage, what to donate, product expiration, how to volunteer, what can I do to help, and one of my personal favorites: how do I host a pantry?

Glad you asked. Hosting a pantry is not nearly as daunting as some might think. Pantry hosts vary greatly, but include businesses, schools, churches, government organizations, civic groups, unions, apartment complexes, HOAs, daycares, and on and on.

First, a pantry host provides a location to house one of our no-questions-asked panties. It costs the host nothing but some space. We locate pantries near where gap families live or in locations that gap families frequent.

What is a gap family, you ask? These are our neighbors whose income is too large to qualify for public assistance, but whose income isn’t large enough to ensure food security should something go bump in the night and impact their budget. These are families who are one blown engine, one large medical bill, one unexpected big expense away from not knowing where one of their next few meals is coming from.

Next, a pantry host may adopt their pantry. This means that the host either gathers food donations or picks up food supplies from the Feeding Team offices two times a month. A few times each week, the adopter sorts, cleans and stocks their pantry. It takes a few hours each month. Pantry adoption is a great opportunity for Scouts, clubs, church groups, individuals, civic organizations, and families to demonstrate giving back to those in need right here in central Indiana. Watching parents and grandparents teach the importance of generational giving is one of the biggest joys that comes from being a member of the Feeding Team.

We have pantry hosts that choose not to adopt their pantry, and while that’s not our preference, these days, it’s okay. In these situations, we recruit volunteers to step in and manage that pantry.

As a host you are vital to The Feeding Team’s food delivery mission. Locating pantries where those in need can more easily access meals makes the process work.

Do you have a location that you’d like to be considered? Please reach out and let us know. We are looking for the next pantry location and the next pantry host.

* * *

As a “Take What You Need, Give What You Can” model, your donations are responsible for hundreds of meals each week. Although you may never see the recipient, know in quiet satisfaction that you are making a difference in the lives of Hoosier families right here in central Indiana.

Feeding Team provides a way and a place for those in need to get food for their family. While each pantry really is just a big wooden yellow box, it means so much more for donors and for families in need. You are welcome to join us as together we fight to eliminate hunger in Hamilton County.

With over 40,000 food-challenged neighbors in Hamilton County, FeedingTeam.org is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides outdoor 24/7/365 no-questions-asked free food pantries throughout the county.

The pantries exist to meet the food insecurity needs of gap families, neighbors who may not qualify for public assistance and could use a few meals before payday. The pantries serve as many food-challenged neighbors as possible, and our hearts are with those who, like my family, could not always make ends meet.

Thank you for supporting the pantries. We love serving with so many neighbors across Hamilton County. In future columns, we will share more stories about how your generosity served neighbors in times of need. The face of hunger in Hamilton County is not what you may think.

In practical terms, this straightforward way to help neighbors is having real impact on lives, families, and our communities. Thank you. A few meals can change the course of a person’s life. A can of green beans means so much more when you have nothing to feed your kids.

Would you like to get involved? Volunteer opportunities are available. We are evaluating new pantry locations. If you think you have a potential location, please contact us.

Mark and Lisa Hall are the Founders of Feeding Team. They may be reached at lisa@feedingteam.org and mark@feedingteam.org or by calling (317) 832-1123.