Food Finders reports that in its 16-county service area, 1 in 7 people face hunger. The risk of hunger is more likely to affect households with children. Since 1981, Food Finders has been a critical component in providing food to those in need and advocating to end food insecurity. Donations to the food bank help over 84,000 people in its service area put food on their tables. Over 100 partner agencies and 42,000 volunteer hours help the mission to drive out hunger in its 16-county area.

Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski, Commissioner Tom Murtaugh and West Lafayette City Clerk Sana Booker shared their insights and reflections on this achievement. The City of Lafayette, the City of West Lafayette, and Tippecanoe County granted Food Finders well over $1 million to develop this space into a hunger-fighting community resource. Also, the Scheumann family, long-time supporters of Food Finders Food Bank, made a transformative contribution of an additional $1 million, propelling the project forward.

Kier Crites Muller, Food Finders’ President/CEO, shared, “We are thrilled to honor the Scheumann family’s legacy of compassion and commitment by collectively identifying the spaces and programs at this location as the Scheumann Center for Hunger Relief.

"This moment is not just about securing physical space; it's about securing a future of hope and possibility for our community," Muller continued. While funds were committed in 2022, unexpected delays pushed the closure to last March. “The journey to this point has been filled with challenges and delays, but thanks to the unwavering support of generous individuals and community leaders, we stand here today ready to expand our impact."

This space provides Food Finders Food Bank with an opportunity to enhance its services and support for the growing number of individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Now that the purchase is complete, the organization looks forward to leveraging its new space to further its impact and create lasting change in the fight against food insecurity.

For more information about Food Finders Food Bank and its initiatives, visit www.food-finders.org.

About Food Finders: Since 1981, Food Finders Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, has worked to provide full-service programs that meet the nutritional needs of thousands of hungry families across its 16-county service area. The food bank operates programs to secure donated and purchased food cost-effectively, provide food to families in need, and educate the community about the efficient use of food resources. Food Finders distributes over 12 million pounds of food annually throughout the 16 counties it serves. For more information or to donate, contact Food Finders Food Bank, Inc. at 765-471-0062 or visit www.food-finders.org.