Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam calls on community to combat child hunger

Finkam

Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam has taken a significant step in the fight against childhood hunger by joining the Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger. In conjunction with this commitment, the mayor announced a contribution of $5,000 from Elevate Carmel to the Merciful HELP Center in Carmel to support their summer meals program.

Launched in 2022, the Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger is a non-partisan, nationwide coalition of mayors dedicated to eradicating hunger among children in their communities. By joining this alliance, Mayor Finkam is demonstrating a firm commitment to addressing food insecurity issues that affect children and families in Carmel and Hamilton County.

“I am proud to join the Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger and the unacceptable reality of childhood hunger in our community,” Mayor Finkam said. “No child should have to go to bed hungry, and by working together with other mayors and community organizations, like the Carmel Merciful HELP Center, we can make meaningful progress towards ending childhood hunger once and for all.”

In addition to joining the alliance, Mayor Finkam advised Elevate Carmel to make a direct contribution of $5,000 to the Merciful HELP Center. This donation will support the center’s summer meals program, which provides nutritious meals to children who rely on school meals during the academic year.

In addition, Mayor Finkam announced that she is partnering with Carmel PorchFest to solicit donations from attendees at Late Night on Main events. She will also challenge Carmel City employees to contribute as well.

To support the mayor and the community, local restaurateur Jeremiah Hamman also committed to matching the mayor’s donation for the local nonprofit organization by raising funds through an upcoming wine/dinner event.

“Prime 47 and Prime Catering is proud to join the Mayor’s Alliance to End Childhood Hunger,” said Jeremiah Hamman, Founder/Managing Member of Prime 47. “During COVID, my wife Nessa and I learned just how many children are food insecure right here in our back yard. Being in the restaurant business, it would be irresponsible of us to not help serve these children in need. We proudly offer an annual commitment working to end food insecurity in our Carmel schools and these children’s lives.”

The Merciful HELP Center is a vital resource for individuals and families in Carmel facing food insecurity and other challenges. In addition to providing meals, the center offers a range of support services, including feeding programs, providing clothing and shoes, furniture, housewares, back to school needs, vehicles, as well as social service referrals.

“The Merciful HELP Center could not be more grateful for the efforts of Mayor Sue Finkam to raise awareness in our community regarding our Carmel Sumer Meals program!” said Jayne Slaton, Director/Registrar/Administrator of Merciful HELP Center. “We are doing our best to alleviate childhood hunger in our very own city, all year long. I am elated that Jeremiah Hamman of Prime 47 plans to match Elevate Carmel’s generous donation as well. This is my 35th year serving in this community as the Director of the Merciful HELP Center and I have seen the need grow immensely over that time, but this is the first year that Carmel City leadership is really acknowledging the challenge before us. We must all join together and roll up our sleeves to keep childhood hunger at bay in our community.”

Mayor Finkam’s participation in the Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger and contribution to the Merciful HELP Center reflect Carmel’s commitment to building a stronger, more resilient community where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information about the Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger, please visit MayorsHungerAlliance.org.

For more information about the Merciful HELP Center and their summer meals program, please visit MercifulHelpCenter.org.