Pacers Foundation, Herbert Simon Family Foundation donate $250,000 to Central Indiana Food Relief Fund
The Pacers Foundation and the Herbert Simon Family Foundation have donated $250,000 to the Central Indiana Food Relief Fund, the foundations announced Wednesday.
The contribution includes a $125,000 donation from the Pacers Foundation, which was matched by the Herbert Simon Family Foundation, in a show of shared commitment to helping ensure Hoosiers in need don't go hungry, according to a news release from the foundations. The contribution aligns with the Pacers Foundation’s priority initiative, Drive & Dish, which targets food insecurity statewide by supporting programs that expand access to nutritious food.
“Our community has always come together in times of need, and now is one of those moments,” Rachel Simon, chair of the Pacers Foundation and president of the Herbert Simon Family Foundation, said in the release. “Our support for the Central Indiana Food Relief Fund reflects our shared belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious food. We’re honored to join in this effort and help strengthen the work being done across Indiana to care for our neighbors.”
Last Thursday, Oct. 30, United Way of Central Indiana announced the launch of a $1 million Central Indiana Food Relief Fund in emergency response to cuts to federal SNAP benefits. The fund will support three major food organizations – Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Midwest Food Bank of Indiana and Second Helpings – that supply food to hundreds of pantries across the region and state.
“We’re deeply grateful to the Pacers Foundation and the Herbert Simon Family Foundation for stepping up in this moment of uncertainty for our neighbors,” said Fred Payne, president and CEO of United Way. “Their generosity will help ensure that families across Central Indiana don’t have to choose between paying the bills and putting food on the table. Partnerships like this show what’s possible when we come together to care for one another.”
The Central Indiana Food Relief Fund was launched with a $500,000 anonymous donation and matched quickly by contributions from The Indianapolis Foundation, Lilly Endowment Inc. and the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation (Lilly Foundation). Since then, additional partners have joined in, ensuring local families can continue to access the food they need.
As of Nov. 5, the fund had reached $1,288,685.
The community is invited to join this effort. People can donate directly to Gleaners, Midwest Food Bank and Second Helpings – or contribute to the Central Indiana Food Relief Fund at uwci.org/central-indiana-food-relief-fund. This fund will be managed by United Way, with 100% of donations to be distributed to these three food organizations.