The Patachou Foundation in Indianapolis, now rebranded as 'A Longer Table', expands its mission beyond addressing childhood hunger. Emil Ekiyor discusses the foundation's new focus on creating a sustainable food system by supporting local chefs, restaurants, and providing food career training for high schoolers. The initiative aims to tackle food deserts and promote healthy living while enabling alternative career paths in the food industry. The public is invited to support this mission through an upcoming event and pledges. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Community Health Network is looking to sprout new gardeners at its farm in Anderson. The health group teamed up with Bloom Madison County — a nonprofit focused on addressing food insecurity in the area. This growing season, they started two garden clubs — the Bloomers and the Seedlings. The Bloomers club is made up of adults looking to pick up gardening. While the Seedlings club is oriented toward kids. Bloom Madison Co-Director Anna Ulam says the goal is to make the hobby more approachable. In a good growing year, the Community Farm in Anderson can produce nearly 30,000 pounds of food. It then uses that food in the Community Health kitchen and food pantries. According to Community Health, Madison County frequently ranks in the top 15 of the most food-insecure counties in the Hoosier state. The director of the Community Farm in Anderson, Mikkal Hodge, says the club plays right into the farm’s purpose. “Our mission is to help people learn how to grow and use food,” Hodge said. “These two clubs are bringing people from the community to this farm, not only letting them see what we do and learn how to grow things, but they also get to learn how to take and eat and consume good produce.” Since starting up, the clubs have 24 Garden beds producing fruits and veggies like radishes, bok choy, lettuce, arugula, kale, spinach, and strawberries, among others. The clubs are free to join. Both clubs meet every Wednesday — the Bloomers at 9:00 a.m. and the Seedlings at 5:30 p.m. The Community Farm is located at 1701 Medical Arts Blvd, Anderson, IN. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The All-Vegan Indianapolis Philly is a unique offering from Black Leaf Vegan, featuring a special mozzarella vegan sauce, onions, and peppers, providing a healthy yet filling option for fairgoers that is soy-free and gluten-free. Owned by Derrick and Taria Slack, Black Leaf Vegan is a vendor at the State Fair that has received a Health First Indiana grant from the Marion County Health Department, totaling over $100,000, to support wellness programs and events. The grant will be used to fund cooking demonstrations and programs that promote health and wellness, feeding both the mind and body. “We believe wellness is important,” Slack said. “The grant allows us to tackle the mind, body, and soul through our FOOD program.” The FOOD program stands for Finding Opportunities to Overcome Obstacles to Development, aiming to address wellness challenges in Indiana. Black Leaf Vegan’s initiatives, supported by the grant, aim to enhance community wellness through innovative programs and events, fostering a space for healing and creativity. The On the Mic with Evelyn Rai is one event that will be held at Café 335 West 9th Street. Check it out on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, for live music, poetry, and discussions on health. Evelyn Ray highlighted the importance of music and spoken word as healing tools, noting the vibrant artist community in Indianapolis. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the return of its largest fundraiser, Dancing with Our Stars, on Sept. 4 at Embassy Suites in Noblesville. The event, sponsored by Community Health Network, features local professional dancers paired with Hamilton County celebrities competing for the title of Dancing with Our Stars Champions 2025. Audience members can vote for their favorite dancers to win the People’s Choice Award, with votes accepted both in-person and online. Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County has been delivering over 200 nutritious meals daily since 1975, helping individuals live independently. The meals are prepared in state-approved healthcare facilities and tailored by registered dietitians to meet specific dietary needs. The Dancing with Our Stars event is crucial for funding the organization’s mission to provide medically tailored meals to the elderly, those with disabilities, and individuals facing food insecurities in Hamilton County. Despite recent federal funding cuts affecting some national programs, Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County remains financially stable due to limited reliance on federal funds and strong local support. The event will feature professional dancers such as Rob Jenkins and Natasha Cox, alongside Hamilton County celebrities like Ashley Mandery and Erika Ross. Tickets, donations, and votes for the event can be made at mealsonwheelshc.org, and further information is available by contacting Meals on Wheels at 317-776-7159. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We all want to feed our families fresh, healthy foods, but some items in your kitchen may be doing more harm than good. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says tens of millions of Americans get sick from contaminated food every year, including food labeled organic. Last year alone, food recalls tied to E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria jumped by 41%, while related hospitalizations and deaths more than doubled. In its latest food safety report, Consumer Reports identified several common grocery items as top offenders for contamination:Leafy greens and deli meatsOnions, cucumbers, organic carrots, and organic basilEggs, raw milk and raw milk cheesesSoft cheeses like queso frescoExperts say contamination can happen anywhere, from the farm to processing plants to your own kitchen. To reduce your risk of foodborne illness, Consumer Reports recommends the following safety steps:Always cook meat to the correct internal temperature using a food thermometerUse separate cutting boards for raw meat and fresh produceThoroughly clean countertops and surfacesAvoid rinsing raw meat, which can spread bacteria around your sink areaStore meat on the lowest shelf in the fridgeDon’t leave food sitting out for more than two hours, or just one hour if it’s hot outsideOther risky items include raw sprouts, shellfish like oysters, uncooked flour, and unpasteurized juices, all of which have been tied to recent outbreaks. Experts say staying informed and using smart food safety practices can go a long way in keeping your kitchen safe and your family healthy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Deandrea Rayner addressed food insecurity in Indianapolis by establishing the Indy Community Pantry, which launched in 2020 and has since expanded to include five dry-goods pantries and three community refrigerators throughout the city. The initiative started with Rayner filling old boxes with food. Still, the demand quickly outpaced the supply, prompting her to expand the project with the help of volunteers and donations. Rayner said, “It was a lot of people who didn’t have the resources and means to find food because COVID was new, and no one knew what was going on. So, I was like, ‘How can I help?'” Rayner’s efforts have been supported by A network of volunteers, who assist with tasks such as donation pickup and stocking the pantries and refrigerators, have supported Rayner’s efforts. “It would not be what it is today without my volunteers.” The motto of the Indy Community Pantry is simple: Take what you need, leave what you can. However, keeping the shelves stocked remains a constant challenge due to high demand. Resident Peter Yazzie, talking about the occasional scarcity of food, said, “Yeah, sometimes we have to look around by ourselves to see if we can find something, and, most of the time, we’ll find something for the time being. But, yes, the refrigerators are empty sometimes.” Rayner has ambitious plans for the future, including placing a refrigerator in a school and opening a completely free grocery store, but emphasized the need for continued community support and donations to achieve these goals. The Indy Community Pantry will continue to address food insecurity in Indianapolis, relying on community involvement to sustain and expand its efforts, Rayner said. “That’s why we need the community’s help and why we are so big on donations, because the food goes so fast.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tulip Tree Creamery, an artisan cheese company based in Indianapolis, has achieved international recognition with its Nightshade cheese winning a Super Gold Award at the 2024-2025 World Cheese Awards in Viseu, Portugal. The prestigious award places Nightshade among the top 2% of cheeses globally, as only 104 Super Golds were awarded out of 4,786 entries from 47 countries. This accolade highlights the quality and craftsmanship of Tulip Tree Creamery’s products. In addition to the Super Gold Award, Tulip Tree Creamery’s other cheeses also received accolades at the World Cheese Awards. Queen Anne’s Lace earned a Silver, while Milkweed and Trillium each took home a Bronze. Tulip Tree Creamery has introduced two new cheeses: Blazing Star, a young cheddar, and Marigold, a Latin-inspired cheese with Mexican spices. A recent grant has enabled the company to acquire new machinery that cuts cheese into pieces, facilitating sales to smaller retailers across the United States. The creamery is actively involved in community events and national shows, participating in fundraisers like REV and Zoobilation, as well as industry events such as The National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago and the Fancy Food Show in New York City. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Partnership for a Healthier America has launched the Good Good Food campaign in Indianapolis, aiming to increase access to fresh, healthy food. The effort kicked off with a midweek event on Monument Circle, marking Indianapolis as part of a coalition to double the consumption of produce by 2030. As part of the launch, PHA awarded $10,000 grants to eight local organizations in Indianapolis to help provide access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The grants are slated to support a variety of initiatives, including produce credits for families in need and technical assistance for local groups. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bearing a bumper crop of basil, rosemary, and sage, Community Health Registered Dietician Carole Corder delivers a savory message: Eat more herbs and spices. Corder contends there are several benefits from her spicy suggestions. The first upside is added flavor without the dangers of salt, the most popular seasoning. Many herbs and spices carry powerful benefits for the body. “Herbs are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidants,” she explained. “We’re all looking for ways to reduce the effects of stress in our lives -the negative effects- and adding herbs to our foods is one way to do it. So they’re very strong and powerful antioxidants.” Corder loves fresh herbs and encourages growing them, but she says dried store-bought versions are fine, too, and carry similar health benefits. She also says recipes do not need to be complicated to deliver positive health effects. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fred Glass, head of Gleaners Food Bank, gave a stark warning about proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which could lead to a humanitarian and economic disaster in Indiana and across the country. The proposed cuts are part of the President’s spending proposal and involve a $300 billion reduction in SNAP funding, with Indiana facing a potential loss of $353 million. This reduction would translate to 133 million fewer meals for Hoosiers in need, affecting 610,000 residents who rely on the program, including 264,000 children and 90,000 senior citizens. “The facts really speak for themselves, and they needed to be said,” Glass said. Glass expressed hope that the Senate, as the more deliberative body, would reconsider the proposed cuts, stating, “Hopefully, the Senate will find that that’s too high a price to be paid to fund tax cuts for the wealthy.” Glass highlighted that the SNAP program has historically been federally funded, with no state money involved. He pointed out that the entire charitable food system in Indiana, comprising 11 food banks, created 108 million meals last year, which isn’t enough to cover the shortfall if the cuts proceed. He also addressed misconceptions about SNAP recipients, noting that they are often working individuals, children, disabled, or elderly people; not people taking advantage of the system. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana on Thursday had a ceremonial opening for the Tom and Julie Wood Family Resource Center on Waldemere Avenue. The center was designed to expand Gleaners’ services to include legal aid, a pharmacy, and a medical clinic. The resource center aims to support the 4,000 families the food bank serves monthly, addressing food insecurity and providing additional resources to improve community health and well-being. Gennesaret Free Clinics will operate the medical clinic, offering medical exams and preventative care to meet what’s described as a growing demand for health care services in the community. The clinic on Monday will begin seeing patients. It’s at Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana’s food distribution center, 3737 Waldemere Ave., which is southeast of the I-70 and I-465 interchange on the southwest side of Indianapolis. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Indy Health District is launching a Floating Farmers Market to bring nutritious food options to underserved neighborhoods, starting May 30 at 21st and Capitol. The Floating Farmers Market will rotate among five neighborhoods within the Indy Health District, which currently lacks grocery stores. This initiative aims to improve access to healthy food, education and mental health resources. The Indy Health District covers an area between IU Methodist Hospital and Crown Hill Cemetery, encompassing over 1,500 acres. Residents in this area have a life expectancy in their mid-60s, significantly lower than nearby Hamilton County. The Floating Farmers Market represents a significant step towards addressing food deserts in the Indy Health District, with hopes of eventually establishing permanent grocery stores in the area. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hunger relief advocates on Wednesday said they’re already seeing more working families at food pantries even without changes to food stamp eligibility. David Bethuram, executive director of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis’ Catholic Charities branch, said the archdiocese’s food pantry on Illinois Street has seen a roughly 40% increase in foot traffic in the past 18 months. About 50 families use the pantry every day. Bethuram said many of the people who use the pantry already use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, but use the pantry so they can stretch their benefits. Changes to SNAP eligibility requirements have become a major flashpoint in the negotiations over the federal budget bill in Congress. Current law requires 20 hours per week of work or volunteering for able-bodied adults ages 18-54 who do not have dependent children. The proposed budget bill would expand those requirements to cover adults ages 55-64 and to parents of children ages 7-18. In addition, states would have to pick up 75% of the administrative costs of the program, up from the current 50%. The proposal comes at a time when food insecurity is increasing in central Indiana. In its most recent report, released early last year, the Indy Hunger Network found the absolute number of meals missed in Marion County had more than doubled since 2021. SNAP covered 63% of all food assistance, while food banks covered 20% of the need. According to Feeding America, nearly 16% of all Marion County residents are food insecure, and nearly half of those people are eligible for SNAP benefits. Indy Hunger Network Advocacy Director Mark Lynch said the average family is only able to use SNAP for about 2-3 weeks before their benefits for the month run out. He said even before the COVID-19 pandemic, food pantries were seeing more and more working families at their doors as opposed to people who were either unemployed or underemployed. Gleaners recently estimated the proposed changes to SNAP would impact about 610,000 people in Indiana and lead to a loss of 133 million meals, which exceeds the 108 million meals Indiana food banks provided last year. Hunger relief programs, such as SNAP, are administered by the USDA. As a result, the proposed changes to the program went through the House Agriculture Committee, of which Rep. Jim Baird, R-Ind., is a member. Baird praised the proposed changes in a statement after they cleared his committee last week. During a marathon House Rules Committee hearing Wednesday morning, House Republicans said the SNAP program’s costs have risen by more than 80%. They said their goal is to ensure the program’s dollars go to people who truly need them. Lynch and Bethuram both said in their experience, fraud is rare. Lynch said the real culprit in most SNAP fraud cases is inadequate security for SNAP purchase cards. He said cybersecurity improvements and fully implementing chip cards would be a better investment. Bethuram said if the SNAP changes go through as currently proposed, he expects his food pantry will see still more people. He said he would have to find more volunteers as well as more sources for donations. Bethuram said Gleaners provides a large portion of the food Catholic Charities carries in its pantry and Gleaners likely would be at capacity under that scenario. Lynch said anyone experiencing food insecurity should start planning ahead now in case the SNAP eligibility changes go through. He said families should use Community Compass to familiarize themselves with food pantries and other resources in their neighborhoods. Community Compass is a joint project of Indy Hunger Network, the city of Indianapolis, and the Indiana Department of Health. The budget bill is far from a done deal. Once it clears the House, it would have to go to the Senate, where further changes are likely. That would require negotiations between the two chambers to hammer out the differences between each version. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

During National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, Wish TV highlighted the nutritional benefits of potatoes for active families. Sports dietitian and nutrition expert Kelly Jones explained that potatoes are a high-quality carbohydrate that provides essential nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and protein. With their nutritional benefits and versatility in recipes, potatoes can be a valuable addition to the diet of active families, providing sustained energy and essential nutrients. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Indiana state government has canceled a summer groceries program for families with kids. The decision has raised concerns about food security for families. Last summer, some Hoosier families a crucial boost of $120 per child for grocery assistance while schools were closed. It benefited around 669,000 children. Groceries purchased with SUN Bucks could be paired with free summer meals and meal-to-go options to help ensure kids do not go hungry while schools aren’t in session for the summer. However, Indiana has cut the federal program after just one year, and, for many, the only remaining option is meal sites. Gov. Mike Braun’s office and the Indiana Department of Agriculture did not immediately reply to News 8 requests to find out why the program was cut and what was the cost to operate it. The Department of Education shared a statement. Throughout the summer, families can find Summer Food Service Program locations through the Site Finder Map or through the Hunger Hotline. The Hunger Hotline can be reached from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. ET weekdays at 866-348-6479 for English language or 877-842-6273 for Spanish language. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With soaring prices and many varieties of eggs, you want to make sure you’re getting what you think you’re paying for. Consumer Reports deciphers those confusing egg labels and explains what they mean. Cage-free means that the hens are not kept in cages, but it doesn’t mean they’re clucking around in the fresh air and sunshine. They can still be kept indoors, often in crowded conditions. An organic label means eggs come from hens fed grains without synthetic pesticides or GMOs. The birds cannot be raised in cages or given antibiotics. They must have some outdoor access. There’s no standard definition of pastured-raised. However, the Certified Humane or the American Humane Certified labels require chickens to have access to a pasture with enough space for natural behaviors, like pecking for seeds and bugs. Free-range birds are not kept in cages and have outdoor access, but they can still be raised in crowded conditions, and the outdoor area can be tiny. Consumer Reports says the words farm fresh and natural are basically meaningless. All eggs come from “farms,” even if the farm is a big building where chickens are packed into cages. So, this labeling claim has no value. The term “fresh” generally means the product hasn’t been frozen, but eggs in the shell should never be frozen. Also, an egg is a natural food product, so slapping “natural” on it has no clearly defined additional meaning. With eggs fast becoming an egg-stravagant splurge, knowing precisely what you’re paying for is essential! Don’t be so quick to throw out expired eggs. The USDA says eggs may be refrigerated for three to five weeks from the day they are placed in the fridge. The “Sell-By” date will usually expire during that time, but they will be perfectly safe to use. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Volunteers with Bank of America on Tuesday rolled up their sleeves to fight food insecurity right here in Indiana. It’s all part of the Million Meal Initiative. Fifty volunteers gathered at an office near 96th Street and College Avenue to pack more than 5,000 casserole meals to feed hungry families. The co-founder of million meals tells us that food insecurity in Indiana is higher than the national average. Nancy Hintz, executive director and co-founder of the Million Meal Movement, said, “This is what makes this kind of work so valuable to the state of Indiana, everyone gets involved.” In Indiana alone, 1 million people – including 1 in 5 children – don’t know where they’ll get their next meal. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New restrictions on SNAP benefits may increase demand on food banks and the local pantries they fill. The Indy Hunger Network is bracing for the challenge as they already see a higher demand for food banks.  The Indy Hunger Network provides networking opportunities for over 210 food pantries across Indianapolis. They focus on helping established pantries collaborate with other pantries to be better service providers. They also offer nutrition related assistance through the Healthy Nudges Program and they also make small grants for food pantries. Outside of helping pantries, Indy Hunger Network goes directly to those in need to teach them how to cook healthy meals.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A church on the west side of Indianapolis will soon enter a battle against food insecurity.

March marks National Nutrition Month, highlighting the importance of healthy meals for children both at home and in schools. School nutrition programs play a crucial role in ensuring students receive nutritious meals that support their academic performance and overall well-being. School nutrition programs also alleviate stress for families by reducing the financial burden of providing meals and ensuring that children receive balanced nutrition. These programs are guided by standards set by the USDA, which include dietary guidelines that schools must follow to ensure meals are healthy and balanced. For example, the Child and Adult Care Food Program requires that canned fruit be served in 100% fruit syrup instead of sugary syrups, and that milk served is 1% to reduce saturated fat intake. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to understand the guidelines and food choices made in school meals, as they serve as role models for their children’s eating habits. School nutrition programs are vital for promoting food security and reducing barriers for families, ensuring that students can focus on learning without the distraction of hunger. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.