Duke Energy Foundation gives more than $200,000 to hunger relief programs in Indiana communities

Funding will help 25 nonprofits and organizations increase their capacity to serve Hoosier families impacted by food insecurity.

The Duke Energy Foundation is awarding more than $200,000 in grants to local food pantries and community organizations to feed Hoosier families in need. The grants will support the purchase of canned goods, fresh produce and essential supplies to address food insecurity across the company’s Indiana service territory.

“Too many Hoosiers struggle with economic instability and food insecurity,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “When people don’t have enough food to meet their needs or are uncertain of where their next meal might come from, it weighs heavily on families and communities. With these funds, we hope to curb the number of Indiana families experiencing hunger and support local organizations extending a helping hand to their neighbors in need.”

The Center for Lay Ministries is the recipient of a $6,000 Duke Energy Foundation grant to support Clark County, Ind., residents who struggle with food insecurity. Each month, the nonprofit organization provides food for more than 1,100 individuals and their families.

“These funds will allow us to meet the increased needs of local families this summer while kids are home from school and food costs are rising,” said Kara Brown, executive director of the Center for Lay Ministries. “The support of partners like Duke Energy is instrumental in helping us continue to serve our clients with compassion, dignity and respect.”

Grants were awarded to the following local organizations:

Food Finders Food Bank (Benton, Carroll, Cass, Fountain, Fulton, Howard, Miami, Montgomery, Tippecanoe, Tipton and Warren counties) – $29,000

Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana (Statewide) – $10,000