By MARK HALL
Feeding Team Feature
Please make plans to join lots of your neighbors at the third annual FeedingTeam.org Music Festival, Food and Fundraiser from 3 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Federal Hill Commons in Noblesville.
The proceeds from the event go to support Hamilton County and central Indiana outdoor no-questions-asked food pantries. This year’s event features three popular local bands, Mike and the Boys, Fast Cadillac, and The Tyler Robling Band. Come enjoy a wide variety of food trucks, a beer and wine garden, a kids bounce house, a silent auction loaded with items (some of the most unique experiences we’ve ever auctioned), a photo booth, merchandise, and sponsor tents – all to help feed our hungry neighbors.
The price of admission is items for the pantries. Volunteers will be ready to take your donations.
If you can’t stay, please drop off some canned goods. If you want to be a part of the silent auction, please email charity.rosandich@feedingteam.org to get registered to bid. Remember, you do not have to be present this year to bid and win auction items.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that the average daily calorie intake in the United States is 3,600 calories. They go on to say that this average intake is much more than what is needed by the average person. Neighbors in need exist on less, usually much less, and often half of the daily recommended calorie intake. With limited exceptions, our experience is that hungry neighbors are grateful for any meals provided to them through the pantries.
To measure the amount of food provided by Feeding Team, we track meals placed in pantries using FDA servings. A large can of Beef Stew, for example, could feed four neighbors and a pack of Ramen one neighbor. Through the efforts of donors and volunteers, an average pantry will supply hundreds of items to neighbors monthly. Most items are one or two servings.
We are proud to be able to serve neighbors and sad that the need to do so continues to grow.
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With over 27,000 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 embracing 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) 832-1104.