Food aid in Allen County

The federal shutdown has had far-reaching impacts, many of them felt locally. According to a report cited by WPTA, more than 53,000 people in northeast Indiana depended on $9.9 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in September. In early November, it was announced that SNAP recipients will receive half their normal payment, and it will be delayed.

In recent weeks, community members and business leaders have stepped up to fill some of the gaps created by a lapse in benefits.

Here’s a roundup of local organizations that have rallied behind the cause of hunger relief.

Community Harvest Food Bank

How to get help: Community Harvest Food Bank (CHFB) operates several hunger relief programs in Allen, Adams, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, and Whitley counties. Find specifics on its website. 

How to support: At this time, the food bank is prioritizing monetary donations to help offset the cost of food purchases. Donations can be made via CHFB’s website. 

Volunteers are also needed to collect, sort, and distribute food to people in need in Allen, Adams, DeKalb, Huntington, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells, and Whitley counties. Register here.

Forward Indiana

How to get help: Community-led grassroots organization Forward Indiana facilitates action through mutual aid via multiple avenues, including community pantries and gardens. 

Community pantries provide 24/7 access to non-perishable food items for anyone and everyone to take. Find pantries in Fort Wayne, Waynedale, New Haven, Columbia City, Syracuse, and Leesburg.

How to support: Stock your neighborhood pantry with items most in need. Find a list of recommended donations here. 

Food Not Bombs Fort Wayne

How to get help: Food Not Bombs Fort Wayne distributes free meals with vegan and vegetarian options every Sunday at 2 p.m. in Freimann Square in downtown Fort Wayne.

How to support: Make a monetary donation to cover the cost of food, serving supplies, equipment, transportation, and monthly expenses.

Impact Bread Company

How to get help: Impact Bread Co. is giving bread to SNAP cardholders at the YLNI Farmers Market (3811 Illinois Rd., Fort Wayne) every Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (while supplies last). 

How to support: Impact Bread founder, Grace Davis, is collecting food items to be distributed directly to local families in need at the market. The microbakery is partnering with Simple Nature Soy Wax Candles and is accepting monetary donations to cover ingredients and groceries for families via the Simple Nature website. Monetary donations will be matched by Simple Nature.

Poplar Village Gardens

How to get help: Poplar Village Gardens is a community garden located on 2107 Broadway in Fort Wayne. They have produce available to be harvested. The organization has a second property near the intersection of Walnut Street and Fox Avenue, with garden beds to be used by anyone in exchange for an hour of volunteering. There’s a food pantry on site, too.

How to support: Volunteers are needed at the garden any day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Wellspring Interfaith Social Services Food Bank

How to get help: Access free groceries at Wellspring Interfaith Social Service’s Food Bank at 1316 Broadway in Fort Wayne. Hours are Monday and Wednesday 9 to 11 am, Tuesdays 4 to 6 pm, and Thursdays 2 to 4 pm. No ID is necessary, and anyone may visit the food bank once every 30 days.

How to support: Make a monetary donation or drop off food items at 1316 Broadway anytime during regular administration hours, which are Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

St. Mary Mother of God Catholic Church Soup Kitchen

How to get help: Volunteers serve soup and bread seven days a week at St. Mary Mother of God Catholic Church, located at 1101 S. Lafayette St. in downtown Fort Wayne. Meals are available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. No ID is required. 

How to support: The soup kitchen’s annual cost of $270,000 is made possible solely from monetary donations, so contributions are always needed. However, donations of time and food are welcome as well. Call (260) 426-1217 for more information. 

Good Bread for All

How to get help: Good Bread For All, an all-vegan and gluten-free bakery, is offering a free rice and beans meal available during business hours. Ask for “The Special.” Find them at 1016 Broadway in Fort Wayne, Thursday-Sunday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., with additional hours on Friday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m.

How to support: Make a monetary donation via Venmo, @Goodbreadforall.

True Kimchi Cafe

How to get help: True Kimchi Cafe is offering end-of-day leftovers for pickup the following day. Check out the cafe’s Instagram Stories at the end of each day to see what’s available. The business is located at 2805 E State Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN. Hours are Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How to support: Share social media updates with your network. 

2Toms Brewing Company

How to get help: 2Toms Brewing Company, in partnership with Two Sixty BBQ, has plans to set up a collection container for non-perishable food items, hygiene products, diapers, formula, etc., for anyone in need. Find them at 3676 N. Wells St.

How to support: Items may be dropped off during business hours, Tuesday through Sunday.

Nourishing Our Neighbors

How to get help: Organized by Slingin’ Sunshine, Nourishing Our Neighbors currently has three free meal giveaways scheduled for November. This mural aid event will hand out 200 free meals on Nov. 10 at Te Gueso Hospitality, 3416 E. Wallace St., Nov. 20 at Banh Mi, 1925 Fairfield Ave., and Nov. 24 at Rune, 2725 Broadway. 

Community resource tables will also be available at each event.

How to support: Slingin’ Sunshine is currently accepting donations of nonperishable food and hygiene products at Mercago, Duckys, and Spoke & Ivy. Additionally, they’re accepting monetary donations to support current and future mutual aid projects and searching for volunteers to help pass out meals at each event.

For more information on food resources in Allen County, including locations that do not require IDs, visit this resource list created by Fort Wayne Foodslut and Bri The Change.