20 Years of Neighbors Helping Neighbors
In addition to donations of non-perishable foods, monetary donations allow food pantries to buy in bulk and discounted prices. Pictured here are pallets of canned goods purchased by Shared Blessings Food Pantry in Danville.
Members of the 2006 Leadership Hendricks County class had a vision for a more coordinated effort to help those experiencing food insecurity, and they certainly had a good idea, as the Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition celebrates 20 years.
Andrea Hilton, a member of the Plainfield Federation of Churches and organizer of the Bundle-Up coat distribution project, said, “Without the idea from LHC, we’d never be here.”
According to Brandy Wethington Perrill, a member of the LHC 2006 Capstone Project group with the idea, she’s proud of the momentum the group has sustained over the last 20 years, especially with leaders like Shirley Larsen, the Coalition’s treasurer.
Perrill said, “Working in silos is not a benefit to our community, but together, you can share and strengthen the vision of an organization.” At monthly Coalition meetings, representatives from the 18 pantries are joined by a board of directors and staff from Family Promise and other local organizations.
Larsen believes part of the success is that the 18 pantries still have the freedom to run independently, but get the benefit of bulk food ordering while also wasting less food based on expiration dates.
“If someone donates food to a specific pantry, it may expire before the pantry is open again. Organizers can make sure the food still gets to those in need in time based on hours of operation.” Shirley remembered a time when someone donated 300 watermelons, which volunteers were able to promptly distribute.
Larsen also explains that the role of food pantries is greater than ever. She never believed the need would be greater than during COVID, but current numbers have surpassed those of the pandemic due to the increase in housing costs and benefit cuts to SNAP and WIC. A living wage in Hendricks County for a family of four, with two working parents requires the adults to make at least $34.30 per hour.
Hendricks County residents visited food pantries, which are open a minimum of 55 times per month, over 37,000 times in 2025, up 9% from 2024. This past July, Shared Blessings in Danville alone served 1,002 families during their nine open session, with 66 new families and 75 new families in August.
While Perrill credits Coalition board members for their dedication, Larsen credits the food pantry directors for the success.
“I’m in awe of them. They have to run pantries and raise funds. I can’t imagine the pressure they feel. They never know how many people will come and if they’ll have enough food to feed them.”
Now that ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds have run out, the group draws from the Libby Hammond fund in addition to the general fund at the Hendricks County Community Foundation. However, in 2027, the Hammond fund will be depleted.
Larsen credits Steve and Mikayla Patterson at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds for allowing the Coalition to use their space and encouraging events like the Chopped Challenge to raise money.
The Coalition is a 501(c)(3) under the care of the Hendricks County Community Foundation. Monetary donations can be mailed to 6319 E. US Hwy 36, Suite 211, Avon, IN 46123.
When asked about how to help with donations or volunteer time, Larsen suggests contacting the individual pantries directly or HCCF and reaching out to the Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition on Facebook.
