Posted By: The Reporter November 7, 2025
The Pacers Foundation and the Herbert Simon Family Foundation announced Wednesday, Nov. 5 a $250,000 contribution to the newly created Central Indiana Food Relief Fund as thousands of Hoosier families face new challenges in accessing food assistance during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The contribution aligns with the Pacers Foundation’s priority initiative, Drive & Dish, which targets food insecurity statewide by supporting programs that expand access to nutritious food. The total includes a $125,000 donation from the Pacers Foundation, which was matched by HSFF, in a show of shared commitment to helping ensure Hoosiers in need don’t go hungry.
“Our community has always come together in times of need, and now is one of those moments,” said Rachel Simon, who serves as the chair of the Pacers Foundation and president of the Herbert Simon Family Foundation. “Our support for the Central Indiana Food Relief Fund reflects our shared belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious food. We’re honored to join in this effort and help strengthen the work being done across Indiana to care for our neighbors.”
The Central Indiana Food Relief Fund is managed by United Way of Central Indiana and supports Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Midwest Food Bank of Indiana, and Second Helpings, which collectively supply food to hundreds of pantries across the region and state.
“We’re deeply grateful to the Pacers Foundation and the Herbert Simon Family Foundation for stepping up in this moment of uncertainty for our neighbors,” said Fred Payne, president and CEO of United Way. “Their generosity will help ensure that families across Central Indiana don’t have to choose between paying the bills and putting food on the table. Partnerships like this show what’s possible when we come together to care for one another.”
Donations can be made directly to the Central Indiana Food Relief Fund at uwci.org/central-indiana-food-relief-fund. For more information about Drive & Dish, visit PacersFoundation.org and for more information about HSFF, visit cicf.org/hsff.
