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More Than Just Groceries

ONE MOTHER'S STORY OF DIGNITY AND HOPE


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As a single mother, Maria struggled to juggle work, childcare, and making ends meet. Grocery shopping with her energetic toddler was stressful enough, but the real challenge was affording the basics. When she learned about the food pantry at Compass Early Learning Center, where her son attended, she hesitated to ask for help but was relieved when she finally did.


The staff at Compass were kind and understanding. Maria could discreetly place her grocery order in the morning when she dropped off her son. When she picked him up later in the day, her grocery order of fresh produce and staples awaited her. “It’s hard to explain how much something like that means to people,” Maria says, her voice catching as she reflected on the support. “No one here has ever made me feel like a burden or that I was asking for too much. They treat me with so much respect.”



For Maria, the food pantry wasn’t just about groceries but dignity and hope. It meant providing for her son without the overwhelming stress, knowing she wasn’t alone. “Thank you,” Maria says. “You don’t realize how much these programs really mean to families like mine. MCUM has been the most instrumental organization for me personally. It’s helped shape the way we live our lives. I’m just so grateful.”

Food Insecurity

WHAT IS IT?


The USDA defines food insecurity as “household-level economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food”. To put it simply, individuals and families dealing with food insecurity can't consistently access the nutritious food they need to maintain healthy, active lifestyles.



Food insecurity impacts more than just hunger. Food insecurity affects every aspect of life. When someone doesn't have access to healthy, nutritious food, that can have negative consequences on their health, development, and overall well-being.


Even if you are not directly impacted, food insecurity in our community does still concern you. When your neighbors struggle to meet their basic needs, it impacts the local economy, schools, and healthcare.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Looking for local resources related to food insecurity? Check out our comprehensive food resources list:

HERE

DID YOU KNOW?

16.8% of Monroe County experienced food insecurty in 2021

READ MORE

HOW CAN YOU HELP?


Addressing food insecurity requires long-term national change and immediate local action. It might feel like as an individual this is something beyond your control, however, there are ways you can make a difference right now at the local level. Supporting organizations that provide resources and community support is one of the most effective ways to help. Whether through volunteering, spreading the word, or donating, everyone can play a role in combating food insecurity.

Each One, Feed One Food Drive

You can still volunteer for our Each One, Feed One food drive! It will be held on September 28th and will be located at all of the Kroger locations in Bloomington. There are multiple time shifts available to accommodate your schedule. Additionally, we will provide you with training beforehand.


If you are unable to volunteer, you can still assist us through donations!


HELP US RAISE 5000 LBS OF FOOD ITEMS!

SIGN UP HERE

WHAT CAN I DONATE?


We accept donations of all

non-bulk, nonperishable food items. However, our most needed items are:

  • cereal
  • helper meals
  • Mac & Cheese


SNAP and Food Insecurity

One of the most impactful methods of fighting food insecurity in the United States is through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.


To learn more about SNAP and its impact, check out this article from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities:



READ MORE

DID YOU KNOW?


12.6% of US residents received SNAP benefits in 2023


As recently as 2021, over 50% of those qualifying for WIC did not participate in the program.


LOOKING FOR RESOURCES RELATED TO FEDERAL FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS?

CLICK HERE

Trunk or Treat

Compass Early Learning Center is having its annual Trunk or Treat on October 25th!


We are currently in need of both candy donations and volunteers interested in hosting a trunk.


If you have any questions please contact our Fundraising Coordinator, Krissy Bechtel at 812-339-3490 or at kbechtel@mcum.org.



SIGN UP HERE

Ways to Give

Most Needed Items


September Pantry Items

Cereal

Laundry Detergent

Dish Soap

Shampoo/Conditioner

Jiffy Mix

Rice a roni

Mashed potatoes

Pasta sides

LEARN MORE

Amazon Wish Lists

Arts & Crafts
Pantry Items

Volunteer Opportunities


Delivery Drivers Needed

  • Weekly or once per month
  • Only deliver to Monroe County
  • Routes are designed to be simple
  • Email Alysha if interested

Food Pantry Shifts

  • Multiple shifts available


Indiana Diaper Bank

  • Volunteer to go to Indy every 3 months to pick up diaper order. Please reach out to Erin if you are interested.
LEARN MORE

Donate


  • online donation link below


  • paypal donation link below


  • Send cash or check


  • Leave a legacy - email Katie about leaving MCUM in your will
Online
PayPal

Thank you for your support!

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Monroe County United Ministries

827 West 14th Court,

Bloomington, IN 47404

812-339-3429