2025 Survey of Food Assistance Need in Central Indiana
2025 Survey of Food Assistance Need in Central Indiana
The 2025 Survey of Food Assistance Need in Central Indiana is a region-wide study by Indy Hunger Network in partnership with Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF), Indiana University Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and the City of Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) that measures how households across all nine Central Indiana counties access and experience the food system. Using a statistically valid survey of roughly 1,300 households during the 2024–2025 period, it tracks food security using USDA categories, identifies who is most affected (including many working families), and maps barriers to getting consistent, healthy food. The goal is to provide reliable, local data that guides immediate relief efforts and informs longer-term policy and systems solutions.
The Survey was conducted by Indy Hunger Network (IHN), in partnership with Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) and Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS).
How to Get Involved
Host a Conversation
Help us amplify this data throughout our community by hosting a conversation. We can:
- Present key findings and facilitate a discussion with decision makers.
- Convene experts from CICF, IHN, and local partners to explore practical next steps.
- Host a screening of “Food, Insecure,” a 30-minute documentary sharing the stories of three Indiana families facing hunger, followed by a Q&A.
We do not charge a fee to provide these sessions.
For Those Who Can Help
Hoosiers who are able to help can donate or volunteer their support to the following organizations:
- Indy Hunger Network: Indy Hunger Network is a coalition of organizations in Greater Indianapolis that promotes access for all to nutritious food through a sustainable hunger relief system. Their mission is to address systemic hunger issues and eliminate disparities in the Greater Indianapolis hunger relief system through collaborative programs, advocacy, and research. Your support helps Indy Hunger Network offer programs such as Community Compass, Cooking Matters, Food Drop, Food Pantry Network, Food Resources Services Hub, and this hunger study.
- United Way of Central Indiana Food Relief Fund: 100% of the contributions to the Central Indiana Food Relief Fund, managed by United Way of Central Indiana, will be distributed to Gleaners, Midwest Food Bank, and Second Helpings. The fund was launched with a $500,000 donation from an anonymous donor, intended to encourage the community to match, or exceed, that amount. The Indianapolis Foundation, Lilly Endowment Inc., and the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation (Lilly Foundation) contributed, quickly meeting that match. With your help, this fund will make an even greater impact.
- DAF-Holders: Individuals with funds at an entity within the CICF Collaborative can contact their philanthropic advisor to make a grant from their donor advised fund DAF).