Food Pantry & Provisions

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Care Fully
Serve Practically
Love Generously

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11.8%

of children in Fort Wayne are living at or below the poverty line

Our People

50%

of families with

young children

struggle to afford diapers

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1 in 5 children

in Allen County are missing AT LEAST one meal per day due to food insecurity

40%

of those living in the most poverty stricken neighborhoods in Allen County are forced to choose between heat, food and warm clothing

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1 in 6 women and girls

ages 12-44 face barriers to acquiring feminine hygiene products & other necessary items

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Our Provisions

Electrolyte Mixes | Soup | Canned Baby Food | Canned Fruit

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Our Pursuit

Food Security Improves Children's Health and Development

When kids don't go hungry and consistently get nutritious food:

They are less likely to suffer from anemia, compromised immune systems, and chronic health conditions from poor nutrition
Food security reduces stress for parents, which benefits emotional and mental health for the whole family
They have better physical growth and lower risk of developmental delays than those who are food insecure

Access to Clean Clothes & Personal Care Supports Dignity & Social Well-Being

When children have clean clothes and personal care items:

They can participate fully in school and social life without fear of embarrassment or exclusion
They report higher self-esteem and social confidence with appropriate clothing
They stay healthier with winter provisions

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Consistent access to basic needs shifts from
survival to stability

When families can count on basic needs being met:

They have stronger daily routines and household stability by establishing predictable meals, school preparation and care giving routines
They have improved school and work attendance due to less illness, embarrassment or logistical hardship
They have a greater capacity for long-term planning with fewer emergency crises competing for attention, families can focus on goals like education, savings, career advancement and community involvement

Our Preparation

Grow the Bounty

We rely on community donations of shelf stable food to stock our Food Pantry. The most important items are those with essential ingredients of protein, healthy fats and

complex carbohydrates. Healthy hydration options such as electrolyte drink mixes, nutritional supplement drinks and dehydrated milk are also needed

Increase Provisions

New or gently used winter coats with a working zipper are essential items during the cold months. Clothes without damage suitable for all shapes and sizes. As we seek to end generational poverty our new parents have an immediate need for essential baby items such as diapers, formula and canned baby food.

Expand the Pantry

Heart of the City is blessed with a large building to support each of our programs. As we grow our bounty and expand our provisions it will become necessary to be good stewards with the space and construct a larger pantry and provisions room to organize and store the generosity of our community

Build a Reserve

We strive to fill the gaps for those in emergent need of food and personal items. Building a financial reserve allows us to ensure we're able to serve as many members of our community as possible without delay. 100% of donations received go towards the operating cost and programs of Heart of the City Mission Foundation

Support the Food Pantry