How Wabash County is responding to food insecurity

By: INPUT Fort Wayne

When challenges arise, community members step up. That’s the mentality residents in Wabash County have maintained as hunger relief has become a top priority for people throughout the county.

According to data from the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Indiana, 14.2% of Wabash County residents experience food insecurity. As concerns rise about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, local organizations, volunteers, and faith partners are working together to fight food insecurity and ensure every resident has access to healthy, nourishing meals.

Living Well in Wabash County: A Cornerstone of Support

At the heart of this effort is Living Well in Wabash County, a nonprofit serving residents of all ages. Their Community Cupboard Food Pantry operates on a client choice model, allowing families to select the foods that best meet their needs and preferences.

Through partnerships with the Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana, Living Well has expanded its reach to meet growing demand. They also coordinate with county transit services to offer free rides to food pantries and soup kitchens, ensuring transportation isn’t a barrier to access.

“No one should have to choose between transportation and a meal.” – Living Well in Wabash County

F.I.S.H. of Wabash: Feeding with Dignity and Freshness

Another key player is F.I.S.H. of Wabash, a volunteer-led organization that welcomes anyone in need with simple guidelines: “You need to be hungry. You need to be in Wabash County.”

Open four days a week, the F.I.S.H. Food Pantry provides groceries and essential items with compassion and zero judgment. Their community garden produces fresh vegetables and herbs, ensuring families have access to nutritious, local food grown in Wabash County.

Lighthouse Mission: Breaking Bread Together

For those seeking a hot meal and connection, Lighthouse Mission of Wabash County continues its long-standing tradition of serving free community meals every Wednesday evening at Emmanuel Christian Church in Wabash.

These dinners are open to everyone with no questions asked and provide a warm, welcoming space to share food, conversation, and friendship.

“It’s more than a meal — it’s family.” – Jenny Ritzema, Director of Lighthouse Mission

In addition to hot meals throughout the year, every April, they host an Easter food basket, allowing each household in Wabash County to pick up a bag loaded with food to prepare a meal for Easter. They also offer Thanksgiving Food bags, allowing families to prepare a meal for Thanksgiving.

The Wabash Elks: Serving Hope at the Holidays

Each spring, the Wabash Elks Lodge carries on a cherished tradition by preparing and delivering free Easter meals to individuals and families across the county. What began as a small local gesture has grown into a countywide effort, feeding hundreds each year.

Volunteers come together to cook, package, and deliver meals to those who might otherwise go without, reminding everyone that kindness and care are always on the menu.

The Wabash Elks Lodge is also offering Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas baskets to all Wabash County residents.

The North Manchester Food Pantry: Local Care, Countywide Impact

In the northern part of the county, the North Manchester Food Pantry continues to meet the needs of local residents by offering monthly food distributions. Supported by community churches, businesses, and volunteers, the pantry ensures that families in the Manchester area can access essential groceries with dignity and care.

Their work complements the efforts of Wabash-based organizations, creating a unified countywide network that no neighbor falls through.

Reaching Rural Neighbors: Lagro’s Mobile Pantry

In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, the Town of Lagro hosts a mobile food pantry, bringing groceries and fresh items directly to residents who may face transportation challenges.

This drive-up distribution is especially important for seniors and families in more remote areas and serves as proof that Wabash County’s generosity knows no boundaries.

Building for the Future: Lagro’s Local Food Initiative

Wabash County isn’t just focused on immediate relief, it’s also planning for a sustainable food future. The Lagro Canal Foundation is developing a community-owned grocery co-op that will bring fresh, affordable food to residents, offer cooking classes, and support local farmers.

Part of Indiana’s Stellar Communities initiative, this project aims to strengthen the local food system and make healthy options accessible for everyone, especially in rural areas.

A Community That Cares

From food pantries to gardens, mobile distributions, hot meals, and seasonal holiday traditions, these initiatives show that Wabash County is more than a place; it’s a family. Whether it’s a volunteer sorting cans, a driver delivering Easter dinners, or a church hosting dinner for the community, every act of kindness adds up to something bigger. It’s a county where no one has to face hunger alone.

Get Involved

Want to lend a hand or find help? Connect with these organizations:

• Living Well in Wabash County – livingwellinwabashcounty.org
• F.I.S.H. of Wabash – fishofwabash.com
• Lighthouse Mission at Emmanuel Christian Church – Free community meal every Wednesday evening Easter Food Bags and Thanksgiving Food Bags
• Wabash Elks Lodge – Easter meal outreach program, Thanksgiving baskets and Christmas baskets
• Town of Lagro Mobile Pantry – Monthly food distribution in partnership with Second Harvest
• North Manchester Food Pantry – Monthly grocery distribution for area residents
• Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana – curehunger.org