After listening to the neighbors it serves and local community leaders, Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana is relocating its twice-monthly mobile pantry from the former John Marshall High School to a neighborhood church, The Caring Place, to better serve the far east side community.

As the future viability of the former John Marshall High School as a mobile pantry site came into doubt, Gleaners proactively reached out to a variety of far eastside stakeholders for advice on how to best move forward. That input came from the neighbors being served at the pantry, existing far eastside pantries, other neighborhood leaders, local elected officials, and others.

Gleaners’ John Marshall mobile pantry is moving locations.

The Caring Place is a strong, multi-generational ministry with a focus on service to its far eastside community home. Churchwide and youth group activities frequently focus on service projects such as neighborhood clean-up days in area apartment complexes and organizing and participating in community events.

With this service focus, it was only natural that they wanted to expand their efforts toward engaging in hunger relief. They offered committed volunteers, a spacious and well-maintained parking lot, and an opportunity to partner with Gleaners to offer wraparound and outreach services for neighbors in multiple languages.

“I’d like to specifically thank Senior Pastor Jon Susa and Lead Pastor Elizabeth Rigney of The Caring Place, Mayor Joe Hogsett, Indiana State Senator and Pathway Resource Center CEO La Keisha Jackson, Indianapolis City Councilor Rena Allen, Pastor James Jackson from Fervent Prayer, and Marty Posch of J.D. Finish Line Foundation,” said Fred Glass, Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana President and CEO. “Gleaners is grateful for the engagement, advice, and counsel of the far eastside community which led us to this wonderful result.”

The Caring Place is one of 23 far eastside network partners added to the Gleaners’ family of agencies since 2020. “We truly believe that we are all better together,” said Senior Pastor Jon Susa. “In the midst of ongoing challenges that threaten to break society further apart, together we can make a difference in our community as we unite to serve those in need. We are grateful for the extraordinary impact that Gleaners and its generous partners provide in our area, and it is an immense honor to strategically serve together and see hope abound.”

Funding for the mobile pantry is being provided in part by JD Finish Line Foundation. “The JD Finish Line Foundation is proud to support the tremendous work that Gleaners does for our far east side community,” said Foundation President Marty Posch. “We are honored to partner with them and remain committed to ensuring Gleaners continues to have a strong presence in our corporate neighborhood.”

The mobile pantry distributions will continue to be held on the first Monday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m., and the third Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. The Caring Place is located at 2901 N. Post Road in Indianapolis.

The Driven 2 Success program offered through Pathway Resource Center is a great low-cost transportation option for those who may need assistance getting to The Caring Place.