Growing need in Franklin and Ripley counties
(BROOKVILLE, Ind.) – Statistics show that one in three households in Franklin and Ripley counties are struggling to cover basic needs like food, housing, transportation, healthcare and childcare.
That data is from a recent report called United for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).
Additional data shows that 5,530 people experience food insecurity in those two counties as well.
United Way of Franklin and Ripley Counties is addressing food insecurity by increasing access to nutritious food options in the area.
“Our goal in the coming year is to begin a weekend backpack food program in the Franklin County Community School Corporation similar to the one in Ripley County that we support, and increase the amount of assistance to our local food pantries who are seeing 25 to 35% increases in families served per month,” said Kelly Bulmer, CEO of United Way of Franklin and Ripley Counties.
Brookville-based Red Life Food Bank serves over 150 families a month in Brookville, Indiana. They recently received a grant from a partnership with United Way and The Franklin County Community Foundation to replace a compressor on one of their large freezers.
“I am so proud of the food options we offer to the families we serve; they get fresh produce and frozen protein options made possible from the funding we’ve received,” states Judy Drake, coordinator for Red Life Food Pantry.
Local support for these programs and services is made possible by generous donations from individuals, employers and employees.
Please consider making a year end financial gift to drive collaborative local solutions to our communities shared challenges like food insecurity.
You can donate securely online at www.uwfcin.org or mail a check to United Way of Franklin and Ripley Counties PO Box105 Brookville, IN 47012.
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