INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis organization working to help families put food on the table hit a major milestone months ahead of schedule. Second Helpings provided its 15 millionth meal.
The non-profit organization has been providing meals to those in need for more than 20-years. Second Helpings teams up with local organizations and community centers to distribute the food.
Leaders say they saw a major increase in need due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They say the need leveled off a bit around August, but now it is increasing again and there is no sign of it slowing down.
“Right now we’re facing a situation where the CARES Act is about to expire. A lot of families are facing uncertainty through the winter months, so we’re continuing to see the need for meals rise throughout the community as families are trying to figure out how they’re going to get by,” said Jennifer Vigran, CEO of Second Helpings.
She said many families are experiencing this need for the first time.
“Many of those folks have never needed help, have never had to go to a food pantry, have never had to ask for assistance and yet they have to look at their kids in each day and make sure those kids are fed,” said Vigran.
Second Helpings is on track to serve one million meals this year alone.
