Mission in Action
Numbers Represent our 2024 Fiscal year; October 1, 2023 to September 30 2024.
Children served weekly
by the BackPack Program
Pounds of food distributed
by the Mobile Pantry Program
Meals provided throughout
our 16-county service area
Pounds of food distributed
throughout our 16-county service area
Volunteer hours
served
Pounds of fresh produce
distributed
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Food Finders
In the News
Newsletter Fall 2025
Every Tuesday evening, neighbors gather in the basement of Brown Street Church in downtown Lafayette. What began a handful of years ago as a simple idea to extend the church’s tradition of providing meals to those experiencing a loss has grown into a weekly community meal in an effort to break down the barriers that too often divide us. What makes these Tuesday dinners remarkable isn’t just the food, though the meals are carefully planned, substantial and satisfying. The atmosphere of genuine community that has developed around the shared tables is the heart of this endeavor. Around 70 people, the number they now plan for each week, gather in a setting that intentionally avoids financial requirements or questions about need. For these dinners, attendees simply show up, grab a plate, find a seat at one of the tables and get to know their neighbor. The dinners represent a cross-section of Lafayette life. While some of the individuals who attend these community dinners are experiencing homelessness, others live in nearby housing programs, some are church congregants, and others are individuals who live in the neighborhood or are simply curious about the gathering. Among the individuals who attended the Tuesday dinner were […]
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Newsletter Summer 2025
At Food Finders Food Bank, every connection tells a story of community. Recognizing that food insecurity rarely exists in isolation, our Resource Coordination program takes a holistic approach to supporting neighbors across our 16-county service area. Food Finders understands that each person’s experience with food insecurity involves navigating a complex web of interconnected challenges that can often feel overwhelming. This reality shapes how resource coordinators approach their work, connecting neighbors to services that touch virtually every aspect of daily life. From housing and clothing assistance to transportation solutions and employment resources, resource coordinators help families access comprehensive support. When government assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Medicaid feel daunting, resource coordinators serve as trusted guides through the application process. As resource coordinator Megan Miller explains, “I think of it like this: we’re just walking alongside [neighbors] and helping guide them through whatever that looks like for them. The most important thing is to meet the neighbors where they are at.” Read More Watch the video
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Newsletter Fall 2024
Allison Norman, Director of the Howard County Food Access Alliance, notes “one of the biggest challenges for those leaving abusive situations is providing food for their families.” Leaving dangerous or abusive situations can present significant hurdles for people transitioning to safer environments. According to the Domestic Violence Services Network, this period is often the most dangerous, with survivors experiencing increased violence and facing severe challenges related to housing and access to food. Norman, who also teaches cooking classes at a local women’s shelter, adds, “People often need help setting up new bank accounts and addresses to access public assistance. Navigating these tasks and finding necessary documentation can be overwhelming, but having someone to guide them through the process is crucial.” While Howard County is filled with stories of community-minded compassion and perseverance, Norman reminds us that there is always work to be done. This is where a resource coordinator position can have a substantial impact. Read More
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Newsletter Summer 2024
Late one Thursday night, Pastor Kevin Bowers was called to a police station to be with a family that had just experienced a life-altering tragedy. Bowers recalled the situation lasting most of the night and into the early morning hours, with the mother telling her children they could miss school the following day. Bowers explained, “The child said to their mother, ‘No, I want to go to school tomorrow,’ and I thought to myself, what child allowed to miss school says, no? The mother said, ‘What would you miss if you didn’t go to school tomorrow?’ And the child replied, ‘My food bag. I won’t get my food bag.’” While Pastor Bowers is aware of the numerous challenges in our community, the intensity of this particular moment, as he recalled the child’s fearful reaction to the possibility of missing a food bag, continues to resonate deeply with him. Read More Watch Kevin Bower’s story
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Reports and
Financials
Reports and Financials
Food Finders Food Bank’s publications library features the most up-to-date information about our efforts to fight hunger throughout our 16-county service area. We are widely viewed as experts and thought leaders for our research and communication efforts that give voice to the causes and conditions of hunger. We continually publish brochures, newsletters, and reports to help our donors, elected officials, partner agencies, and the general public stay up-to-date on important issues and topics related to hunger and poverty in our region.