Agency Partner Spotlight: Miami Nation of Indians

What happens when a public building closes? Imagine all the possible uses for a former school when students no longer roam the halls. Think of the many ways a large gymnasium or series of classrooms could still benefit the community.

Many years ago, the Miami Nation of Indians considered this question and found new purpose in the old Peru High School building. They reimagined the space, transforming it into their headquarters. For the past 18 months, they have used the former principal’s office as a food pantry.

For two hours on the last Sunday of every month, aided by about 12 committed volunteers, they open their doors to the over 120 households they serve. With the help of a recent capacity increasing grant awarded to Food Finders Food Bank through the Healthcare Foundation of Miami County, their impact is expected to grow. Previously, the pantry operated with just a handful of donated freezers from a local HVAC company. This grant has allowed them to acquire more refrigerators and freezers, giving greater ability to store and distribute food.

For more information, visit https://www.miamiindianfoundation.org/miami-nation-food-bank.