Hunger Hero: local leader receives Distinguished Hoosier Award

By GRACE GREEN
grace@readthereporter.com

Former Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank (HCHFB) Executive Director Anita Hagen was presented with a Distinguished Hoosier Award last Thursday, May 29. State Representative Danny Lopez, who represents House District 39, presented the award after recommending Hagen to Indiana Governor Mike Braun.

“Under Anita’s leadership, HCHFB grew in reach, impact, and compassion while providing vital resources to countless families in need across Hamilton County,” Lopez said. “Her legacy of generosity and community spirit will continue to inspire for years to come.”

Reporter photo by Grace Green

Receiving the award will allow Hagen to be considered for the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash award.

“Not just anybody gets it, there has to be a process,” HCHFB Executive Director Suzanna Hobson said. “It has to be earned and shown that you’ve contributed to the community and to the state.”

Hobson was Hagen’s successor as executive director of HCHFB.

“Being chosen to take on this role for the organization and for our community has been an honor,” Hobson said.

Hagen has been involved with the food bank for 15 years, and despite retiring from her position, she will still be involved with the nonprofit.

“I’m still doing things with the food bank and still trying to plug in to the community,” Hagen said. “I’ll be back volunteering here and hanging out with my buds.”

Reflecting on the award, Hagen said the recognition was meaningful not just for the acknowledgment, but for the people who shared it with her.

“You try to make your local community better,” Hagen said, “so to be recognized for that is really special, but it’s really special when you do it with all your good friends.”

Hobson has known and worked alongside Hagen for the past 10 years and has reflected on Hagen’s work and the significance of the recognition she received.

“I think it brings to light Anita’s commitment of the past 15 years to providing food to those in need,” Hobson said. “It really shows that it’s something that is needed, and she’s being recognized for that.”

Reporter photo by Grace Green