News Details

March 2025

Did you know that nearly one in four families rarely or never eats a healthy meal - due to how much it costs?

That’s just one of the statistics shared by the producers of a half-hour documentary called “Food, Insecure” that will be shown here in Wayne Township with the support of the Wayne Township Education Foundation.

Among the findings of a recent survey by the Indy Hunger Network:

• One million Hoosiers need food assistance, at a time of near record low unemployment.
• Forty percent of these households go hungry in any given week (up from 23-29 percent in prior studies).
• Food need impacts one quarter of Marion County.
• Food insecurity is connected to poorer health, lower academic outcomes, lower worker productivity, and increases in crime.

“Hunger is a problem that affects much of Indiana. MSD Wayne Township hosts a monthly food pantry, The Giants Marketplace, to help our west side families and staff,” said Lisa Baize, executive director of the Wayne Township Education Foundation. “This movie screening is designed to help our community understand and discuss this issue at a deeper level. Hunger can clearly impact the ability of our families to thrive and our children to learn.”

The documentary includes interviews with families and individuals impacted by food insecurity, and with those who are trying to help solve the root issues at the heart of this problem. WTEF received a grant from WorkingHungry.org to support the district’s efforts to create a dialogue and build awareness regarding food insecurity. In addition to the screening of the film, there will be a panel discussion led by Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township District Social Worker Stephen Jackson. Other panelists include Wayne Township Trustee Jeb Bardon; Central Indiana Community Foundation Chief Innovation Officer Jeff Bennett; MSD of Wayne Township Director of Child Nutrition Brittany Jointer; Indiana State Representative Renee Pack; Chapelwood Elementary Home School Adviser/Social Worker Michelle Stohler; and Gleaners’ Marion County Network Director Margo Takehara.

“Food, Insecure” will be shown at Chapel Hill 7th & 8th Grade Center on Tuesday, April 15. Advance registration is not required but appreciated. A welcome reception will begin at 5:30 p.m., to be followed by the screening of the documentary starting at 6:10. The panel discussion will take place after the documentary has been shown.

ABOUT THE WAYNE TOWNSHIP EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Wayne Township Education Foundation (WTEF) provides community leadership to enrich, engage, and stimulate teaching and learning in the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township. WTEF accomplishes this by supporting school programs and resources, while recognizing excellence among students and staff. To learn more about WTEF and/or establishing a named, designated fund, call 317-988-7966, visit wtef.wayne.k12.in.us, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @WayneTwpEdFound.