Community Foundation Mobilizes $33,000 to Strengthen Local Food Pantries

Responding to rising food insecurity across the region, the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana (CFSI) has mobilized $33,000 in grants to strengthen six local food pantries serving Clark and Floyd counties.

The grants, which are funded through a collaboration of CFSI’s board members, donors, fundholders, and its unrestricted Community Impact Fund, will help ensure local organizations have the resources needed to meet growing community demand during the holiday season and beyond.

“Food insecurity affects far too many of our neighbors,” said Linda Speed, CFSI President and CEO. “This effort demonstrates what’s possible when local generosity meets a trusted, flexible community resource. Our Community Impact Fund gives us the ability to respond swiftly to urgent needs like this, and to support long-term solutions across Southern Indiana.”

CFSI reached out to its donor advised fundholders earlier this fall, inviting them to join in a coordinated response to help food pantries meet surging needs. The combined generosity of donors and the Foundation’s matching support made it possible to award $5,500 grants to six organizations – totaling $33,000 in funding – to the following organizations:

• Center for Lay Ministries (Jeffersonville)
• Faith Harvest (Greenville)
• First Baptist Church Hope Center (Charlestown)
• Hope Southern Indiana (New Albany)
• Kingdom Life Church (Sellersburg)
• NAFC Public Library Dare to Care Food Pantry (New Albany)

Each grant supports frontline organizations that provide essential food access and assistance to families throughout the community.

“These grants represent more than just funding,” Speed added. “They represent a community coming together to ensure that no one in Southern Indiana has to face hunger alone.”

Funding for these grants is made possible through CFSI’ Community Impact Fund, which is currently eligible for a $2-for-$1 matching opportunity through the Lilly Endowment’s GIFT VIII initiative through Dec. 31, 2025. The fund allows the Foundation to respond quickly to urgent needs while also investing in long-term initiatives that promote opportunity, equity, and well-being across the region.

For more information about CFSI, or to learn how you can support food insecurity through the Community Impact Fund, visit www.CFSouthernIndiana.com.