Food bank launches $5 million campaign

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana is starting a five million dollar capital.

The "Help Fill The Need" campaign will serve to upgrade the aging CHFB building and equipment, and expand and enhance operations and programs at the Tillman Road facility. The money will also be used to complete renovation on the former Azar's business office on Coliseum Blvd. to allow for a bulk-repack area.

"If Community Harvest weren't here there would be a significant economic impact," said Jane Avery, executive director Community Harvest Food. "The vision of the "Help Fill the Need" campaign is to reduce Hunger in northeast Indiana by 50% by 2015 and we can do it with your help."

Senator Richard Lugar attended the event and spoke at length about the role of farmers in hunger relief. "I appreciate the excitement that comes with the thought of Community Harvest Food Bank seeking five million dollars to expand operations in order to feed more people and that Indiana farmers are the key," said Lugar. "The demand for food is growing world-wide and with us living longer healthier lives it will continue.”

Community Harvest Food Bank has been serving northeast Indiana for over 25 years as the largest single provider of charitable food resources to over 450 pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and other member agencies. It serves over 90,000 people a year.

Food distributed has grown to nearly 10 million pounds per year within the CHFB nine county service area — 50% of which is via direct service programs that address childhood hunger, older adult hunger and healthy families initiatives.