Pacers, Simon Family donate $250,000 to help Hoosiers facing food insecurity
The Pacers Foundation and Herbert Simon Family Foundation are stepping up with major support for the Central Indiana Food Relief Fund during the federal shutdown.
The Indiana Pacers and team owner Herb Simon are once again giving back to the Indianapolis community — this time helping Hoosiers who are struggling with food access during the ongoing government shutdown.
As federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits remain on hold with no timeline for their return, thousands across Central Indiana are facing new challenges putting food on the table. Nearly 150,000 residents in the seven-county region rely on SNAP to help feed themselves and their families.
To support those efforts, the Central Indiana Food Relief Fund — managed by United Way of Central Indiana — was launched to benefit local partners including Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Midwest Food Bank of Indiana and Second Helpings.
On Wednesday, the Pacers Foundation and the Herbert Simon Family Foundation each announced a $125,000 contribution — a combined $250,000 to help address the growing need.
“Our community has always come together in times of need, and now is one of those moments,” said Rachel Simon, 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 Pacers have a long track record of tackling food insecurity. Each November, the team hosts its annual “Come To Our House” Thanksgiving dinner for those experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis. It’s one of their best events of the year.
And several years ago, head coach Rick Carlisle launched “Drive & Dish,” an initiative to make food more accessible to local residents in need.
This latest donation is another example of the Simon family’s continued investment in the community — and its commitment to making sure Hoosiers are supported when they need it most.