In my first month as CEO of Second Helpings, I have seen our community rise to the challenge to feed Indy in so many inspiring ways. I have met longtime and new volunteers, toured partner agencies’ facilities, and prepared meals from rescued food.
In the last year, Indy Parks distributed 122,000+ Second Helpings meals to families across our city.
I came to Second Helpings from a partner agency. As the Director of Indy Parks and Recreation for more than five years, I saw firsthand the impact that Second Helpings meals have on our city. During the pandemic, I served grab-and-go meals we received from Second Helpings as hundreds of people drove through the expanded pantry at Windsor Village Park. I was blown away by the number of people who lined up every week to receive those meals. Time and again, we met people who had never sought out food assistance before but faced a new need during the pandemic.
Being able to provide something so basic, the ability to feed one’s family, during a crisis was incredibly meaningful. That’s what you allow Second Helpings to do every day.
Meals served and distributed in parks and other centers provide an opportunity for connection, a source of nourishment, and a sense that someone cares…all vital during such a trying time for so many of our neighbors.
Indy Parks is one of more than 100 partner agencies that benefit from your support of Second Helpings. Your gift today feeds families in need all across our city this winter.
For partner agencies like Indy Parks, Second Helpings allows them to serve the community in profound ways far beyond what they can accomplish alone.
I have so enjoyed working with our volunteers in the Hunger Relief kitchen to prepare tasty, healthy meals for our neighbors.
Through my previous role at Indy Parks, I knew there was need and hunger in our community, but I didn’t know just how meaningful a Second Helpings meal could be for a family in need. I have worked alongside many of our partner agencies before I began this role, but getting to deliver meals myself recently was really powerful. When we hand over meals to our hard-working and caring partners, we know they are making a crucial difference.
As I look to the future with Second Helpings, I hope you’ll join in our vision for a city that doesn’t let anyone go to bed hungry.
We need your help to make this vision a reality.
Will you join me in rising to the challenge to feed Indy with a gift to provide comforting, nutritious meals to our neighbors in need this winter?
Every $1.25 sends a hearty meal into our community this winter. Your gift today can provide twice as many meals! Bank of America is providing a guaranteed match of $50,000 now through December 31 to help double our impact and send more meals into the community.
As an organization and a community, we have so much to look forward to in the next year. As you prepare for the new year, will you consider a gift to provide meals for our most vulnerable neighbors this winter?
If you have already made your gift this season, thank you. Please accept my very best wishes for the holiday season and a safe and happy new year. We will continue to rise to the challenge to feed Indy together.