Addressing Nutrition Insecurity in Central Indiana
In 2021, our Central Indiana board of directors determined that addressing nutrition insecurity should be one of our top three priorities locally to help people live longer, healthier lives.
Growing evidence shows that people who regularly eat healthy foods are often able to manage chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity with fewer medications.
Some of our local work includes:
- Food insecurity screenings
- Health Care by Food initiatives at local health centers
- Working with sponsors to supply fresh produce to food pantries
Our biggest effort to combat nutrition insecurity came in 2023 when we secured a $1 million grant from the Indiana University Health Foundation to open a Nutrition Hub in the 46202 Zip code.
Working with Gleaner’s Food Bank of Indiana, IU Health and Purdue Center for Innovation & Health Equity we:
- Developed a customized app for ordering food
- Provided 50 lbs of fresh food each week in refrigerated food lockers located on a major bus line
- Provided resources and health counseling through a community health worker
Through mid-2025, more than 330 individuals had been referred to the program just from the 46202 zip code.
Meka Christian
Kelly W
Lynne D
Nutrition security video from 2023
