Pryor’s amendment implemented in new budget to fund food banks

INDIANAPOLIS — State Representative Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) is pleased to see increased funds for food banks in the new state budget. 

“We are now acting responsibly by taking the new American Rescue Plan dollars and putting them where funding is needed the most,” Pryor said. “I can’t think of a better cause than food banks, which feed our families in need.”

Pryor had proposed to give $1 million to food banks on the House floor when the original budget was heard. House Republicans voted down both her amendments and continued with the decade-long flat appropriation of only $300,000 to food banks.

After a rosy revenue forecast and additional dollars provided by the Biden Administration’s American Rescue Plan, the new budget now allocates a total of $2 million to food banks.

“Food banks serve a significant role in our communities, and this past year has only emphasized their importance,” Pryor said. “Food banks stepped up in a moment of crisis, one that many Hoosiers are still living through, and fulfilled their ongoing mission to feed the hungry.”

Due to the pandemic, instability and unemployment have increased food insecurity by an estimated 40%. Gleaners Food Bank, which serves 21 counties in Indiana, saw a 107% increase in food distribution this past year. Food banks, community kitchens and food pantries experienced a 154% increase in visits from Hoosiers across the state.