Last month, VASEY volunteered at the Zionsville Food Pantry Distribution Center (housed by the Zionsville Presbyterian Church at 4775 W. 116th Street) to help unload more than 16,000 lb. of food in 48 minutes. While a small feat in and of itself, the focus of this article isn’t about us. It’s about a very real problem that exists right in our own backyard.
The average household income in Zionsville is about $175.3K with a median income of $132.5.1 With such high numbers, one might think everyone has more than enough to eat. But that isn’t true. Many of our neighbors suffer from food insecurity.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food to sustain an active, healthy life.2 Food insecurity can occur due to economic, physical, or other restraints. Nearly 13 percent of children in Boone County live in households without secure access to adequate, nutritious food.3
It is important to note both people living above and below the poverty line can and do experience food insecurity. It boils down to not having the resources to meet their basic needs.
Food insecurity has long-term effects on the mental, physical, social, and economic health of children and families. When children don’t get enough food or don’t have a nutritious diet, they have trouble performing in school and maintaining overall health. Research shows food insecure children are more likely to suffer from illness, have developmental delays or have health deficiencies that track into adulthood.4
So how can you help? Volunteer at or donate to your local food bank!
For more information on local food banks, click on any of the links below.
Food Banks in Indiana
Zionsville Food Pantry
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank
Hunger, Inc. Food Pantry
1https://www.point2homes.com/US/Neighborhood/IN/Zionsville-Demographics.html
2https://hungerandhealth.feedingamerica.org/understand-food-insecurity/
3https://www.iyi.org/events/understanding-the-impact-of-child-food-insecurity/
4https://www.iyi.org/events/understanding-the-impact-of-child-food-insecurity/
