Delivering more fresh foods to hungry Hoosiers, thanks to you!

Going hungry is hard no matter the season. Throughout the summer, when school lunches aren’t available, struggling parents have an even tougher time getting kids the healthy foods they need to thrive.

But generosity like yours is changing all that. Gleaners is launching a new effort aimed at doubling the amount of nutritious produce reaching families in need.

“Fresh fruits and vegetables are typically among the most difficult and expensive food items to provide our neighbors in need,” notes Gleaners President and CEO John Elliott.

“Parents, the elderly, our veterans –they all say how important these nutrient-rich foods are. We’re focusing on ways to use corporate and individual support to dramatically increase our clients’ access to homegrown and farm-fresh lettuce, apples, oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, carrots, onions, and a whole lot more. We’ll also be helping individual pantries increase their space and ability to properly manage refrigerated items.”

Sandra is concerned about her children getting wholesome snacks. But she has a hard time affording fruits. “All four kids love them. Being able to get things like that here at Gleaners is a huge help!” she says

Elliott is grateful for so many generous donors who are making the new Produce Hope initiative possible. In addition to individual gifts, he said, “Feeding America awarded Gleaners funding for a new refrigerated trailer truck through a grant from Morgan Stanley to reduce child hunger and increase produce programs. We’ll be delivering literally tons more fresh foods to over 300 partner pantries and meal sites – increasing the percentage of produce distributed to 30% by the end of 2018, up from 18% currently.”

Studies show that a diet high in fiber but low in fat and calories helps kids avoid obesity. Fresh fruits and vegetables fit the bill, providing a healthy alternative to fat-laden sides and snacks.

On May 1, former Indiana Senator and Indianapolis Mayor Richard Lugar helped kick off the Produce Hope initiative. “Gleaners Food Bank provides a critical safety net... I applaud the... vision of Gleaners’ leadership in tandem with Feeding America to provide Hoosiers in need with wholesome fruits and vegetables.”