INDIANAPOLIS — Local officials recently announced the launch of Community Compass, an innovative, multi-platform resource designed to connect Indianapolis residents to critical food resources and nutrition assistance. The Community Compass contains a finder for such resources as food pantries, Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) retailers and clinics, hot meal sites, farmers’ markets and other food related events, and more. Additionally, the platform will help residents navigate the nutrition assistance programs to determine if they may qualify for SNAP, WIC or other nutrition benefits. It also includes a “smart chatbot expert” — accessible via the app, text message, phone call, or Facebook messenger — to serve as a guide.
Last year, the City-County Council appropriated funds by passing Proposal 258, which included funding for multiple food programs such as Community Compass – with more funding for app development from the Indianapolis Bond Bank and IndyStar’s Our Children grant program.
According to Indy Hunger Network’s 2017 Unmet Need Study, food insecurity affects one out of every five people in Indianapolis. The study also found community members were not using food pantries due to the lack of information to locate a food pantry. It also found individuals and families were not enrolling into SNAP/WIC benefits because of ineligibility concerns.
The app is available in the App Store on iPhone and Google Play on Android. People can also text “Hi” or call 317-434-3758 to get information. Community Compass is also on Facebook by searching @communitycompassapp.