Many Indianapolis residents end up with extra nonperishable food after holiday meals. Donating those items to local food banks and pantries is an easy way to turn surplus into support for neighbors facing food insecurity. If you have leftover canned goods, boxed sides, shelf-stable desserts or unopened baking items after Thanksgiving, contacting any of the organizations above is a fast way to get those supplies into the hands of people who need them. Many agencies prefer donated items that are unopened and have at least several months before the best-by date.
Below are several Indianapolis organizations accepting food donations, with addresses and contact information so you can drop off items or arrange a pickup.
Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana
3737 Waldemere Ave. | 317-925-0191
Gleaners is the largest hunger-relief organization in central Indiana and coordinates distribution to hundreds of partner pantries across the region. The main warehouse accepts food drives and has information about how to donate online or arrange drop-offs.
Second Helpings
1121 Southeastern Ave. | 317- 632-2664 | info@secondhelpings.org
Second Helpings rescues surplus food from restaurants and institutions and also accepts coordinated food donations. For large or prepared-food donations, contact the director of food rescue; the organization asks donors to fill out a donation form or call ahead to coordinate drop-offs.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
4202 Boulevard Place | 317-924-3461
SVdP runs multiple pantry locations and thrift stores across Marion County. The Boulevard Place location operates drive-thru distributions and accepts nonperishable donations during business hours. Check svdpindy.org for hours and other pantry sites.
Catholic Charities Indianapolis
1400 N. Meridian St. | 317-236-1500
Catholic Charities partners with local pantries and runs client services that include food assistance. They accept donations and can point donors to the best drop-off location based on inventory needs.
Cathedral Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry
1347 N. Meridian St. | 317-634-4519
The Cathedral Soup Kitchen offers meals and a food pantry to community members and accepts nonperishable food donations. Callers should check the hours before arriving.
The Salvation Army
1337 Shelby St. | 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
Some local corps ask donors to call ahead at 317-632-0156 to confirm pantry hours and donation procedures.
Brightwood–Forest Manor Community Center
4062 E. 34th St. | 317-602-4780.
This neighborhood center operates a client-choice pantry and accepts donations; It’s a good option for donors who want to support families in northeast Indianapolis.
Other local pantries and church-based food programs
Many smaller churches and neighborhood pantries welcome donations on a rolling basis. Resources like the pantry list maintained by local nonprofits can help donors find the nearest option and verify hours. For specific needs or to confirm whether an item is acceptable, call the pantry before dropping off donations.
Call ahead to confirm hours, drop-off procedures or to arrange a coordinated pickup for large donations. For the most current hours and any last-minute changes, check each organization’s website or call the phone numbers listed above.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
