(Bloomington, Indiana) – The Monroe County Council recently awarded Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry $2,620 from the Sophia Travis Community Services Grants program to support its “Meat” the Need initiative.
According to Feeding America, approximately 20,500 Monroe County residents regularly struggle with food insecurity – 4,000 of which are children. Deb Treesh, Executive Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, said that the funds received will be used to pay processing fees on donated livestock and deer, with the meat being given to agencies serving food-insecure residents within Monroe County.
“More than ever, families are struggling to buy groceries. Food banks, pantries and soup kitchens work to protect the most vulnerable and under-served in our communities and these agencies continue to face increased demand.” said Amber Zecca, Fund Development Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry. “To donate, farmers and hunters just need to take their livestock or deer to a local participating meat processor (call ahead to schedule livestock). After processing, local food banks and pantries are called to pick up the donation. There is absolutely no charge to the livestock and deer donors.”
“The Sophia Travis Community Service Grant program’s contribution will allow us to continue and expand on our mission of hunger relief by providing 8,500 more meals through local hunger relief agencies. We are so grateful for the continued support of our efforts in responding to the needs of those in the community facing hunger.” said Debra Treesh, Executive Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry.