Poverty

In Marion County, 14% of residents and 19% of children live below the federal poverty line (Source: Hoosier Data, 2020). These numbers are higher than the national average, where 11% of United States residents live below the federal poverty line (Sources: U.S. Census Bureau 2021).

According to SAVI research through The Polis Center at IUPUI (2019), 1 in 4 Indianapolis residents live in low-income neighborhoods or concentrated poverty. A family of four living in poverty is surviving on an income below $27,750. Yet according to the Indiana Institute for Working Families, a four-person family with two school children in Marion County needs $56,264 to be self-sufficient. Families in poverty have an annual income less than half the amount needed to be self-sufficient.

Second Helpings supports families living in poverty by providing meals through partner agencies – freeing up some room in the budget to put towards other expenses. Second Helpings also prepares adults for meaningful careers in the culinary industry. Over 950 students have graduated our Culinary Job Training program.