The Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank (HCHFB) 2026 Annual Meeting took place Monday morning, March 16 at the Delaware Township Community Center, 9094 E. 131st St., Fishers.
HCHFB is looking for ways to get more people involved, and this event was no exception. There were do-it-yourself stations to make a mocktail, build a bouquet, and start your own backyard garden. That last one was rather clever, as Executive Director Suzanna Hobson pointed out that you may accidentally grow more vegetables than you need. If that were to happen, guests were encouraged to give the extra fresh produce to neighbors or to donate it to HCHFB at their warehouse located at 89 Byron St., Cicero – right behind the Dairy Queen.
Along with updates on the work HCHFB has done in the last year, what they plan to do this year, and the growing need for organizations and individuals to help fight food insecurity in Hamilton County, there were also some outstanding volunteers who were honored.
With the retirement of Founding Executive Director Anita Hagen last year, HCHFB has created a new annual award: the Hagen Harvest Hero Award. This year, that award was given to an entire group of volunteers. Additionally, certificates of appreciation were presented to Rod Howard and Mike Cahill.
Last year, HCHFB distributed over 221,000 pounds of food, which totaled just over $800,000 of their $944,000 in operating costs. During that same year, 505 volunteers gave 5,468 hours of their time to HCHFB.
Those numbers are impressive, but the need for HCHFB’s services continues to outpace the ability to meet it.
Despite its reputation for affluence, food insecurity throughout Hamilton County is a persistent challenge. The reality of food insecurity is stark: approximately 33,666 residents, including 7,136 children under 18 years old, grapple with the uncertainty of where their next meal will come from.
You can learn more about HCHFB online at hchfoodbank.org. While you’re there, click on the “Donate” like and do your part to fight food insecurity in our community. There are also plenty of volunteer opportunities.
Reporter photos