Pop Quiz: How Much Would This Cart Cost?

Food insecurity is a growing challenge in Hamilton County and Central Indiana. According to the Indiana 2023 Hunger Report, approximately 1 in 8 people in Indiana experience food insecurity. And with the rising cost of groceries, it’s becoming even harder for families to afford healthy food. Fresh produce, proteins, and pantry staples are essential for a balanced diet—but for too many, they remain out of reach.

Earlier this week, we posed a question on social media: How much would this selection of fresh food from Grace Care Center’s Choice Food Pantry cost at a typical grocery store? 🤔

The answer? $48!

At Grace Care Center, we approach food insecurity in a unique and empowering way. Families who visit our Choice Food Pantry are not given pre-packaged boxes or limited selections. Instead, they shop with pantry points that allow them to choose fresh, nutritious foods that fit their family's needs. This model prioritizes nutrition while giving families the dignity of choice. It also helps ensure that they can make healthy choices, all while staying within their point budget.

Recently, I watched a family carefully choose items using about 35 pantry points. They spent 14 points on fresh produce—food that would have cost nearly $50 at the grocery store. Curious, I took a photo of their cart and visited my local store to match it. While I couldn't find pears in the exact variety, the total still came to $48—just for the produce!

For many families facing hunger in Central Indiana, that grocery store price tag can feel overwhelming. But thanks to supporters, Grace Care Center’s Choice Food Pantry stays stocked with fresh, nutritious options, ensuring families can shop with dignity and make choices that fit their needs. It also helps them stretch their family budgets to cover rising costs of rent, utilities, and other essentials.

This is how your support makes a difference. Because of generosity, families at Grace Care Center are empowered to choose healthy foods and can keep their budgets intact, focusing on other essential needs.

But Grace Care Center doesn’t stop with food. We believe in a holistic approach to breaking the cycle of poverty. Along with our food programs, we provide services like zero-interest micro-loans, vehicle repairs, and English language classes, which help families address financial instability, transportation barriers, and language access. Our goal is to provide not just temporary relief, but also the tools and resources for long-term stability and independence.

Together, we are breaking barriers, building independence, and changing lives. Thank you for being part of this impactful work.

If you'd like to learn more about Grace Care Center and the difference we’re making together in Hamilton County, let’s connect! I'd love to chat over a cup of coffee or take a walk through Grace Care Center to share more.