Food Finders Food Bank is launching its twelfth annual Drive Away Hunger fall food drive from October 14 through December 2 this year. Drive Away Hunger represents a community-wide effort to raise 650,000 meals during a seven-week campaign. Food Finders is calling on the community to unite in helping to stock the food bank’s supply to ensure that our neighbors facing hunger have enough resources to care for their families this winter.
“This event is especially important to Food Finders, our agency partners and those we serve this year. We are currently experiencing a reduction in retail grocery and food manufacturer’s donations as well as a reduction in food from the USDA, says FFFB President/CEO Katy Bunder. “At the same time, record numbers of people are seeking food assistance due to inflation and high gas prices. We have more people visiting the Fresh Market than we had during the worst of the COVID crisis. In August, the Fresh Market saw nearly 15,000 visits.â€
Last fall the food drive crushed the original meal goal. For 2022 the goal is increased raise 650,000 meals to keep food stocked throughout the winter months.
“This is our twelfth year for the food drive – not only are we entering the season of giving, but it is also more important than ever that we come together as a community to care for one another. We encourage our neighbors who are in the position to give right now, to do so for those who cannot, says Kier Crites Muller, FFFB chief engagement officer. “Anyone can organize a food drive at school, work, or their place of worship or attend one of the events planned. Everyone can do something to make a difference.â€
Several area businesses are sponsoring the 2022 food drive to allow Food Finders to increase hunger awareness in our community. Presenting sponsors include Cargill, and Indiana Packers Corporation, in partnership with Neuhoff Media Lafayette; Key sponsor, Tempest Homes; Engine sponsors; Duke Energy, Evonik and Subaru of Indiana; and Green Light sponsors; Industrial Federal Credit Union, Kettelhut Construction, Soller-Baker Funeral Home, Van Gorder Janitorial and Wabash and In-Kind sponsor; Two Men and a Truck.
According to the recent statistics from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, nearly 74,000 residents in Food Finders’ service area face hunger, more than 20,000 of which are children under the age of 18.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events planned to raise food and awareness this fall:
October 14 – November 18 –Classroom Superstars presented by Primient
Local elementary, junior high and high schools compete to win the “Golden Spork†by raising the most food donations now through Nov. 18.
November 20 – Fleet Feet’s Gobble Wobble 5K, 1 pm Cumberland Park, West Lafayette
November 23 –13th annual Feed the Need Day
Neuhoff Media will host its annual food drive at area Pay Less Supermarkets to raise food and funds for Food Finders Food Bank.
November 29Â –Giving Tuesday
Cargill and Indiana Packers Corporation will offer a dollar-for-dollar match, up to the first $20,000 raised. Double your donation on Giving Tuesday!
Public food donation drop-off locations:
o   Henry Poor Lumber and Flooring Express host a friendly competition to see which location raises the most food through Dec. 2.
o   MATCHBox co-working studio hosts a food drive through Dec. 2.
o   Centier Bank – drop off locations for non-perishable food items at any one of their 5 local branches through Dec. 2
o   Food Finders’ warehouse, 1210 N. 10th Street, Lafayette. Monday – Friday 8 am – 4 pm.
For complete event details and to find out how to make a difference, visitfood-finders.org.
Food Finders encourages the community to join the effort this year to raise 650,000 meals, together we can Drive Away Hunger.