Fred Glass, President and CEO of Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, announced Wednesday that the organization has achieved certification as a Good Wages Initiative Employer.
The Good Wages Initiative (GWI) is a branch of EmployIndy’s Choice Employers program. This program is focused on supporting employers who value Indianapolis workforce ecosystem growth, both within the workplace and in the Indianapolis community as a whole.
“Second only to putting those of us facing hunger first, Gleaners’ recently restated values commits us to valuing our employees,” Glass said. “Providing a living wage and access to affordable, employer-sponsored health insurance is one of the significant ways we do that.”
“We’re thrilled to have Gleaners Food Bank join our growing list of Good Wages Initiative employers who are prioritizing investment in their employees,” EmployIndy President & CEO Marie Mackintosh said. “They’re not only setting themselves apart as a supportive employer, but they’re also elevating our community through increased buying power and overall job quality.”
“As a social services organization, we see first-hand the impact of low wages on too many families in our community,” Glass said.
In order to be certified as a Good Wages Employer, employers must provide all employees a minimum starting wage of $18 per hour and access to affordable, employer-sponsored healthcare. Gleaners began the certification process last fall, with a commitment to move its minimum starting wage to $18 per hour, which it has now achieved. The organization already offered comprehensive health insurance to all employees and eligible dependents.
About Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Inc.
Gleaners was founded in 1980 and is a respected leader within Feeding America, the nation’s food bank network. Since that time, Gleaners has distributed more than 800 million pounds of food and critical grocery products through nearly 300 hunger relief agencies, schools and community partners serving Hoosiers facing food insecurity.
In addition to food distribution to agencies, Gleaners serves its most vulnerable populations, seniors and children, through specialty programs such as Gleaners2Go, Home Delivery, School-Based Pantries, Mobile Pantries, Summer Meals for Kids, and Senior Hunger Initiative programs. Gleaners is certified as a Good Wages Initiative Employer by EmployIndy.
Charity Navigator has recognized Gleaners as a 4-Star organization, the highest rating for charity demonstrating fiscal management and accountability. In addition, Gleaners is an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau and has earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. To learn more, visit gleaners.org.