Hunger in Indiana: Fast Facts for Hunger Action Month 2025

Every September, communities across the country rally to raise awareness about hunger and take impactful steps to reduce it. This is Hunger Action Month — a chance to learn the facts, share them, and turn concern into real support for neighbors who are struggling to put food on the table. This September, let’s take a closer look at this yearly observance, the state of hunger in the US and here in Indiana, and how you can help build a better future for your community.

What Is Hunger Action Month?

Launched by Feeding America, Hunger Action Month spotlights the reality that hunger is present in every county, whether it looks like skipped meals, empty cupboards at the end of the month, or parents choosing between food, medicine, and utilities.

But awareness amounts to nothing without action. Volunteering, donating, advocating for strong nutrition programs, and supporting local food banks keeps families afloat. The signature Hunger Action Day, falling on Sept. 9 in 2025, is the perfect time to take action and see the impact of coordinated efforts across the nation. Whether small or big, our actions are how we make our love for our communities and our hope for the future real.

Hunger in the United States

Ongoing and coordinated action is essential because hunger is a formidable problem to tackle. Recent data shows that:

• 13.5% of US households — about 18 million households — experienced food insecurity at some point in 2023. That’s statistically higher than in 2022.

• An estimated 47 million people, including 14 million children, lived in food-insecure households in 2023, the highest level in nearly a decade. Nationally, that equates to about 14.3% of people.

These US hunger statistics reflect both the lingering effects of higher food prices and the end of several temporary pandemic-era supports. They also underscore the vital importance of community-based responses and strong nutrition programs for families working to make ends meet.

Hunger in Indiana: A Closer Look

Here in Indiana, hunger haunts our communities too:

• More than 1 million Hoosiers were food insecure in 2023 — an increase from roughly 950,000 in 2022. Statewide, food insecurity reached an estimated 15.1%.

• Children are hit hard. About 1 in 5 children in Indiana face hunger, reflecting deep community need and highlighting the importance of school and summer meals.

• Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank serves seven counties in west central Indiana and all experience food insecurity rates higher than the state average. As many as 43,000 individuals experience food insecurity in our service area and for children, that rate is even more alarming. 22% of all youth know far too well what hunger feels like - nearly 12,000 of our young neighbors are impacted by food insecurity.

These data points are our neighbors in need of help — working families, seniors, students, and people living on fixed incomes across urban, suburban, and rural counties. So, what can we do to offer life-giving support? Hunger Action Month tells us how.

How You Can Help During Hunger Action Month — and Beyond

Given its extensive reach, hunger can seem like a daunting adversary. The good news? You don’t have to solve hunger alone. Small, consistent actions add up. To make it easy, here are realistic ways to support neighbors this September:

• Give funds first: Food banks can stretch dollars farther than retail shoppers through bulk purchasing and rescued food. Consider a monthly gift to your local food bank or pantry network.

• Volunteer where you are: Sorting, packing, driving, or helping at distributions keeps food moving quickly to families.

• Host a focused food drive: If collecting items, ask your food bank what’s most needed (think shelf-stable proteins, low-sodium vegetables, whole grains, baby formula, and culturally familiar foods).

• Support SNAP, WIC, and school meals: These proven programs reduce food insecurity at scale. Add your voice when local and state leaders consider nutrition program access and funding.

• Shop and donate locally: Buy from local growers, and consider giving garden extras to community pantries; fresh produce is often in short supply.

• Fight waste: Meal plan, freeze extras, and share surplus through reputable apps or local redistribution partners.

• Spread the word: Wear orange, post the facts, and invite friends to join you for Hunger Action Day on Sept. 9.

Make a Greater Impact With Local Organizations

Food banks and community nonprofits are the backbone of the hunger relief system. They partner with schools, shelters, senior sites, and churches to get nutritious food where it’s needed fast — especially when budgets are tight and need is rising. Feeding America’s network spans about 200 food banks and tens of thousands of pantries and meal programs, including partners here in Indiana.

At Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank, we’re proud to be a Feeding America partner making a difference to our community. Donate today to support our work and put your money toward meaningful change in your local area!

Help End Hunger With Catholic Charities Terre Haute

In west central Indiana, Catholic Charities Terre Haute operates programs that meet immediate needs and build long-term stability:

• Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank and pantry partnerships help families access nutritious food across the Wabash Valley.

• Bethany House Emergency Shelter provides safe housing, meals, clothing, and case management for families and individuals.

• Ryves Youth Center offers after-school tutoring, counseling, and weekday meals — all designed to help kids learn, grow, and thrive.

This Hunger Action Month, consider a gift of time or resources to Catholic Charities Terre Haute. Your donation keeps shelves stocked, supports hot meals for youth, and sustains crisis services for neighbors working toward stability. Volunteer, give, or spread the word today, and help us realize fuller and brighter futures.

Here at Catholic Charities Terre Haute, we provide help and create hope by nourishing the minds, bodies, and spirits of children, families, adults, and seniors. By collaborating with community partners, we provide nutritious food, safe shelter, quality youth programming, and essential personal and household needs to our neighbors. Donate today to support meaningful community change!