INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is taking a meaningful step to address growing food insecurity among students and families, thanks to a $50,000 investment from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust to the IPS Foundation.
The funding will directly support food pantries across the district, prioritizing school-based pantries that are open to the broader community while also strengthening services for IPS-enrolled students and their families.
Recent disruptions and pauses in SNAP benefits have intensified food insecurity across Marion County, placing additional strain on families already working to make ends meet. Within IPS, the impact has been immediate and visible.
The investment will boost monthly food budgets at schools with Gleaners-supported pantries, expanding purchasing power through bulk buying opportunities and ensuring families receive more adequate portions.
Currently, only 19 of the district’s more than 40 schools operate food pantries, and just over 10 receive modest monthly food credits through Gleaners Food Bank. As demand has surged, many pantries have been forced to stretch limited budgets — often distributing smaller portions simply to serve as many families as possible.
Some IPS schools rely on weekend food containers provided by community partners such as Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, Lilly Endowment initiatives, and iTown Church, which provides 490 boxes of food a week to select schools through its Feed Your Neighbor program.