Beyond Animal Health: Elanco Fights Food Insecurity for 250 Families
Just a mile away from Elanco Animal Health’s soon-to-open headquarters, families in the area struggle to keep food on the table. To help, Elanco has launched a new initiative — Nutrition Secure Indy — designed to feed 250 local families for an entire year while studying how access to quality food impacts communities.
At the Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, where food pantry lines often stretch around the building, President Heather Pease sees the need firsthand. “We run out of food every Wednesday,” she said. “People come because we have milk, eggs, cheese, bread — but it’s never enough.”
The neighborhood surrounding Edison School of the Arts faces rising food and housing costs, with an average household income of $40,245 — significantly lower than the Marion County average. For families, that means tough choices and, often, hunger.
“When you feel hungry, you can’t think,” said Edison principal Amy Berns. “Sometimes the meals kids get at school are the only ones they have.”
A First-of-its-Kind Program
Announced on August 12, the program is a partnership between Elanco, Hatch for Hunger, Gleaners Food Bank, IU Health, and other local organizations. Each participating family will receive weekly grocery boxes with 8 pounds of protein (like chicken, pork, or beef) and 12 pounds of fresh produce. They’ll also gain access to resources such as nutrition education, cooking classes, gardening workshops, and financial planning, plus assistance enrolling in SNAP and WIC programs.
“We believe everyone has the right to high-quality food,” said Elanco CEO Jeff Simmons. “This program aims to break the cycle that comes from lack of access to nutrition.”
Original Source:
“West Indianapolis-based Elanco launches program to feed 250 local families” by Enrique Saenz, published on Mirror Indy (August 14, 2025).
