Nonprofits’ Pack Away Hunger delivers 7,000 meals to areas hit hard in pandemic

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Helping hands and hearts: That’s what so many people are in need of as communities continue to struggle with the impact of COVID-19.

Two nonprofits — Pack Away Hunger and ProAct Indy teamed up at the Hovey Street Church to help soften that blow for families in neighborhoods desperate for the comfort of a good meal.

Pack Away Hunger’s Allison Avin got emotional talking about the impact the coronavirus pandemic has made on the people they serve.

There are “so many families that even under normal circumstances really suffer from food insecurity in this community,” she said. “To know that number has increased so dramatically with this crisis, it just really breaks my heart.”

Derrin Slack, founder of ProAct Indy, took on the role of find out who was in urgent need.

Avin said about the ProAct Indy #StandintheGap initiative, “They really are the hands and feet of this city. They know really well who needs these meals the most.”

They decided to put together more than 7,000 meals for the vulnerable neighborhoods in the west side of Indianapolis and to the No Questions Asked Food Pantry on the east side. “We thought this is a great time to stand up and stand in the gap for our community,” Slack said.

They want each meal delivered to represent hope. “It’s the most powerful feeling that people can have to really look forward to in the future,” Slack said.

“We just really hope that they know that there are a lot of hands and hearts that made these meals,” Avin said. “We really hope it brings them a sense of love.”

They hope others will follow their example and keep giving to the ones who need it most.

“For people struggling right now, you’re not alone,” Slack said. “Just know that. There are people out here sacrificing themselves all over, medical professionals, us nonprofit professionals. We are sacrificing ourselves for you and so I just encourage you to do the same for others as well.”