LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — Indiana University Health is providing more than $500,000 to organizations across the state that have been impacted by COVID 19. Food Finders is one of the recipients.
The organization is getting more than $41,000 that will be used to set up more mobile food pantries in Clinton and White counties.
In addition, they plan to move and expand the Tippecanoe County food pantry location.
Executive Director Katy Bunder says the need for food didn't go away when COVID hit.
"I think IU understands that keeping the population that they serve with their healthcare facility fed is a benefit and is certainly what we're all about." Katy Bunder, Executive Director of Food Finders.
IU Health President Dan Neufelder says it takes all of us working together to keep the community healthy.
"We are very proud to be able to support their work which is actually the same thing we're trying to do is to make a healthier Indiana." Dan Neufelder, IU Health President
The new pantry will be located in an old Save A Lot store. Though temporary, it will provide the workspace for workers to socially distance.
The grants are part of the $100 million Community Impact Investment Fund (CIIF) established last year to address the social and environmental determinants of health in Indiana communities. The fund is administered by the IU Health Foundation.
The following West Central Region community partners also received 2020 IU Health CIIF funding:
- White County Council on Aging was awarded $5,000 for transportation.
- Mental Health America was awarded $5,000 for equipment to implement virtual screenings.
- Home with Hope was awarded $3,000 to purchase food, hygiene and bedding items for residents in recovery.
- Open Door Clinic was awarded $2,000 for medication assistance, thermometers ad glucometers for home health management.
- Therapeion Therapeutic Riding Center was awarded $5,000 for scholarships and general maintenance of horses.
- Clinton County Public Schools was awarded $13,000.
- Tippecanoe County Public Schools was awarded $15,600.
- White County Public Schools was awarded $13,000.
