OPINION: Food Insecurity in Southeastern Indiana

Food insecurity is an issue that has no place in our country, state, or southeastern Indiana. Yet, it persists, affecting families, seniors, and children in ways that ripple through our communities. As someone who has always been passionate about this cause, I believe it’s critical to shine a light on the need for action and the opportunities we have to make a difference.

Locally, organizations like Meals on Wheels and the Batesville Food Pantry are working tirelessly to ensure no one goes hungry. WRBI has been proud to support these efforts, serving as a Meals on Wheels pickup site since the program expanded to Batesville. This partnership represents the power of community collaboration in addressing such an important issue.

The Batesville Food Pantry’s recent social media post highlights the ongoing need for support:

Photo Credit: Batesville Food Pantry

“Batesville friends, we need your help. We are running low on some critical items and need help to stock the shelves! If you are able to pick up any of the following to donate, we would appreciate your support. Items can be left in the box in front of the food pantry at any time.

• Canned beans – chili, refried, or baked
• Canned tuna
• Pasta sauce/tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Spaghetti noodles
• Egg noodles
• Ramen (chicken or beef)
• Pancake syrup

Gardeners who have surplus produce can bring perishable items into the pantry this Tuesday between 4-6 or Wednesday between 10-noon.

Thank you!”

This list serves as a reminder that even the simplest items can make a difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s a jar of pasta sauce or a few cans of tuna, these contributions are vital to keeping shelves stocked and meals on the table for those in need.

For gardeners, the opportunity to share surplus produce is a wonderful way to ensure fresh, nutritious food reaches families who might not otherwise have access to it. These small acts of generosity add up, creating a safety net for our neighbors in challenging times.

If you’re looking for ways to help, consider these steps:

  1. Donate: Pick up a few extra items during your next grocery trip and drop them off at the food pantry.
  2. Volunteer: Organizations like Meals on Wheels and local food pantries always need extra hands. Whether it’s delivering meals for them, or sorting donations at a food pantry — your time can have a significant impact.
  3. Spread the Word: Share posts like the one from the Batesville Food Pantry on your social media channels to raise awareness and inspire others to contribute.
  4. Advocate: Support policies and programs that address food insecurity at the local and state levels. Let your voice be heard to help create systemic change.

Together, we can create a community where no one has to worry about their next meal. Let’s make food insecurity a thing of the past in southeastern Indiana, one act of kindness at a time.