02/15/13 Members of the General Assembly have joined forces in the fight against Hoosier hunger. Partnering with Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, lawmakers are working to raise awareness and assist with the state’s domestic hunger relief efforts through the month of February.
“Hoosiers are faced with tough choices in this post-recession economic climate,” said Representative Tim Harman (R-from Marshall County). “The choice that is made all too often by families is the sacrifice of wholesome nutritious meals so that the bills can be paid.”
In 2011, a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) report states that 13 percent Hoosier households are food insecure. Today, one in four Hoosier children, an estimated 358,000 statewide experience a lack of accessible nutrition required for a healthy lifestyle. In addition, more than one million Hoosiers statewide are at risk of hunger.
“No Hoosier should have to choose between eating and staying fiscally afloat, and with that in mind I’d like to call all who are willing to stand with Feeding Indiana’s Hungry and local food pantries to end hunger in Indiana,” said Representative Harman.
The Feeding Indiana’s Hungry organization sponsors 11 regional food banks, each serving a specific geographic area. The food banks supply food to more than 1700 local soup kitchens, homeless shelters, church pantries, day cares and other nonprofits. Each food bank supplies roughly 117,900 Hoosiers with food assistance each week.
To join in the fight against hunger, there are many ways to participate. Hoosiers in the Marshall County area can drop off non-perishable food items at Neighborhood Center’s Food Pantry at 402 West Garro Street in Plymouth. In addition, those seeking more donation options can go to http://www.feedindiana.org/.
Rep. Tim Harman (R-Bremen) represents all of Marshall County and a large portion of Fulton County. He serves as a member of the Courts & Criminal Code, Government & Regulatory Reform and Local Government committees.
