Lack of donations hurt Hoosier Hills food bank

Hordes of food rise to the ceiling at the Hoosier Hills Food Bank. Distribution trucks sit outside the squat yellow building near the corner of 11th and Fairview. Volunteers and staff are ready for the responsibility each day brings.\nAt first glance, it might seem like the Hoosier Hills Food Bank has a surplus of food donations for the thousands it serves in Monroe and surrounding counties. \nBut the need from the six-county area Hoosier Hills serves has grown, and without a single can of its most needed supplements -- canned meat, fruits and vegetables -- the agency has had to resort to purchasing food for the first time in its 24-year history just to keep up.\n"I think it's a reflection of the fact that the agencies that we serve are serving a lot more people," said Julio Alonso, executive director of the Hoosier Hills Food Bank. "Our agencies are serving more and more people, but so far this year we've only been able to provide 1 percent more food than in 2005."\nBy joining America's Second Harvest, the largest food bank network in the country, Hoosier Hills will join the more than 80 percent of food banks nationwide that operate food purchase programs in addition to accepting donated food.\nAs part of the America's Second Harvest network of food banks, Hoosier Hills will have access to discounted and donated food offered by national vendors.\n"It's a positive relationship that will better serve the agencies we serve in that the types of food they need will be here already packaged and in multiple quantities," Alonso said. "But it's unfortunate that so many folks out there are in need of food and that problem continues to grow."\nHoosier Hills' first food purchase is for 27,288 pounds of food that included canned fruit, vegetables and beef stew. The food bank received funds for the purchase from the United Way of Monroe County and from a social services grant from the Monroe County Commissioners. A grant from Perry Township specifically covered transportation costs for the food. \n"For United Way to come through with $5,000 and Perry Township to come up with money is what made it possible for us to get a good order of food," Alonso said.\nUnited Way Executive Director Barry Lessow said he was happy to help.\n"One of United Way's community goals is that everyone has access to sufficient food," Lessow said in a statement. "We are proud to partner with the Hoosier Hills Food Bank and help the local agencies in its network meet the needs of their clients with quality, nutritious food. The Food Bank deserves our thanks for the many ways it helps address hunger in our community."\nHoosier Hills moved 1.7 million pounds of food in 2005 and has already distributed more than one million pounds this year.\nEach week, the agency makes more than 30,000 pounds of food available to more than 80 non-profit food organizations, who in turn collectively feed more than 25,000 people each month in Monroe, Brown, Lawrence, Martin, Orange and Owen counties.\nCommunity residents may use the food bank's regular food donation box at the YMCA to donate food, and from Oct. 2-6, there will be food collection bins at the Monroe County Courthouse, Bloomington City Hall and Ellettsville Town Hall. Donations are also accepted at 615 North Fairview St. each from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. While any non-perishable food items are accepted, canned meat, fruit and vegetables are the greatest need. Businesses or groups interested in sponsoring a food drive can call 334-8374.