Kelsey Burton became the executive director of Mid-North Food Pantry almost two years ago. She's seen a significant increase in need since then, with the number of households served rising by 43.8% in the last year.
While groceries are Mid-North's focus, it also provides feminine hygiene products, household items, weekly HIV testing, SNAP sign up support, and monthly health clinics.
The pantry now aids roughly 200 individuals during each distribution day, up from last year's average of 120. Burton notes this could be caused by the November 2025 SNAP benefit cut.
To qualify for most federal assistance programs, household income must fall below 185% of the federal poverty line.
"Food pantries are the safety net, the safety net between people that qualify for SNAP, and people that work and don't make enough money to qualify for SNAP," Burton said. "That 185% is much higher than that SNAP qualification number."
Many Indiana residents struggle to make ends meet despite being above the federal poverty level, according to a recent report from United Way. These households are in a category known as ALICE, which stands for asset-limited, income-constrained, and employed.
In 2024, 38% of Indiana households fit into that category.
Mid-North normally operates three days a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to noon. But to meet the increase in demand, the pantry will also be open on Saturdays.
"These folks that are coming are saying 'I can't get here during the week' or 'I'm glad you guys are open on Saturdays.'" Burton said. "It's a little slower paced on Saturdays, so it's really been good for folks that may have mobility issues or just need a little more time."
The organization does not restrict access to Marion county residents, and can serve any Indiana resident.
Despite record-breaking attendance, the team at Mid-North remains small with only three part-time employees. Burton said volunteer work is a vital part of the organization, especially in summer months when support can dwindle.
As the need for assistance rises, Burton anticipates the pantry's role in the community will remain vital for underprivileged households.
"I know all the pantries are feeling it since the SNAP cuts," she said. "It's still holding steady, which I think speaks volumes to just the need in our community. Unfortunately I don't think that's going to let up anytime soon."
Contact WFYI reporting intern Chloe White at cwhite@wfyi.org
