×
menu

Back to all

Serve Local: Food Insecurities

October 30, 2025 | Joe Mally

Hey, it’s Joe from the Kingsway team! I want to encourage you to lean into serving and meeting the needs of those experiencing food insecurity. The goal of this post is to connect you with organizations already making an impact—and to invite you to support them.

Across Indiana and the country, the need for food assistance continues to grow. In 2025, food insecurity has risen significantly, and while the full picture is still unfolding, we know that both federal and local assistance have become more limited, and giving is down.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s updated information from Gleaners (June 2025). At that time, estimates showed a 10–20% increase in food insecurity statewide—and that was before any changes in federal aid.

 

Devotional Thought & Prayer

The need for engaging in this season is clear. Jacob, the Outreach Minister at Kingsway, shared this reflection:

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” — James 2:14–17

“In this passage, James contrasts a living faith with a dead faith. He says that to tell a person in need of food and clothing to ‘go in peace, be warmed and filled’ without being the one to meet their need shows a dead rather than a living faith. A living faith trusts that God will generously provide for us as we provide for others—ensuring they have good nutrition and adequate clothing.

The Church has the opportunity in this moment of crisis to demonstrate that kind of living faith. This is a major opportunity for the Church to rise and be faithful witnesses of Jesus to the world around us. Will we respond with a living faith and meet the needs of those who are physically and spiritually hungry? Will we meet physical needs and, in doing so, point people to Jesus, the one who can meet their spiritual need for a Savior?”

Three Prayer Prompts

  1. Pray for individuals and families affected to have the food and drink they need.

  2. Pray for individuals and families to encounter Jesus through the generosity and hospitality of the Church.

  3. Pray for the Church—and for your own role—to step up and respond as faithful witnesses of Jesus in this time of great need.

Practically: What Are Your Next Steps?

  1. Give Financially — This doesn’t always feel tangible, but it truly is one of the best ways to support. Food banks and pantries can purchase items at rates most of us can’t. In talking with friends who’ve served in these areas for years, I’ve heard some surprising numbers about what they can buy food for. One individual told me this week he can buy chicken for just 20–30 cents a pound.

  2. Donate What You Already Have — If you’re like me, you probably have excess in your pantry at home. Check those expiration dates, then collect and donate what you can.
    Tip: If you’re buying or selecting items to donate, choose things that are kid-friendly and easy to open or prepare.

  3. Promote Shared Needs — Follow the organizations below, share their posts, and invite others to help however they can.

  4. Serve — As you see needs shared, show up and help physically.
    Tip: Start with behind-the-scenes work—cleaning restrooms, parking lots, and other overlooked areas. These opportunities often aren’t posted, but they’re meaningful ways to love on those serving in these ministries.

Community Resources

Here are four local resources Kingsway knows and refers people to regularly:

Avon Life and Light Free Methodist Church Food Pantry
Pantry Times: Mondays, 1:45–4 PM
Learn More

Danville United Methodist Church
Pantry Times: Tuesdays, 6–7:30 PM & Saturdays, 10 AM–12 PM
Learn More

Plainfield Church Federation Food Pantry
(Located at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Buchanan St. in Plainfield)
Pantry Times: 1st, 2nd, and 4th Wednesdays, 10 AM–Noon; 3rd Thursday, 5–6:30 PM; 1st & 2nd Saturdays, 9–11 AM
Learn More

Our Shepherd Lutheran Church – Hendricks County Food Coalition
Pantry Times: 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9 AM–Noon
Learn More

 

Church, as you lean in to meet this need, or if you have questions, please reach out to me or Jacob at .

Share