More than one million Hoosiers currently face food insecurity, but agricultural leaders and local advocates across Indiana are stepping up to bridge the gap. At the Indiana State Fairgrounds, Purdue Fort Wayne, and University of Southern Indiana, the Indiana Hunger Summit convened to unite stakeholders from every link in the food chain—from field to fork.
Heidi Spahn, founder and creator of the Indiana Hunger Summit, explains that the mission centers on bringing the entire supply chain together to find lasting solutions.
“The Hunger Summit is really bringing people together across the state to address food insecurity. I love to see people from farmers, producers to the last mile. So, thinking about the full value chain and what we can give back in helping people that are hungry in the state, which is actually more than a million Hoosiers.”
Farmers and livestock producers hold a unique and impactful position when it comes to stocking food pantries. Spahn says agriculture offers the nutrient-dense solutions that food-insecure families need most.
“Farmers and producers can be really instrumental in fighting food insecurity in the state,” notes Spahn. “Thinking about protein and produce and what they can give back—so if there’s surplus or off-spec produce, we can get that into the hands of people that need it. Thinking about protein, there’s some great examples out of Posey County where they’re getting protein into the hands of food banks and food pantries to people that need that food source.”
For those unable to attend the summit in person, Spahn stressed that the work begins right at home in local communities across the state.
“I encourage people, if they’re looking for opportunities to get involved, look to your local food bank, look to your local food pantry,” Spahn explains. “Everyone has something to give back, so look for a way in your own community to help food insecurity.”
Producers and community members interested in learning more or joining the effort can connect through the Indiana Hunger Summit Facebook group, or sign up for their monthly newsletter by emailing inhungersummit@gmail.com.
