Pantry 279 Seeks Volunteers as Regional Demand Surges

Indiana food bank issues urgent call for help to sort, pack, and distribute food to over 1,800 families monthly.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Pantry 279, a hunger relief organization in Southern Indiana, is issuing an urgent call for volunteers to help combat rising food insecurity in the region. Established in 2015 by Girl Scouts, the pantry has grown into a major operation serving over 1,800 families per month, but relies heavily on volunteers to sort, pack, and distribute food. The pantry is currently accepting in-kind donations of groceries, winter gear, and household items.

Why it matters

Food insecurity has been on the rise in Southern Indiana, and Pantry 279 plays a critical role in providing hunger relief to the local community. The organization's 'no questions asked' policy helps remove the stigma often associated with seeking assistance, allowing people to maintain their dignity while accessing essential resources.

The details

Pantry 279 was founded in 2015 as a Girl Scout Silver Award project and has since grown into a large-scale hunger relief organization. The pantry currently serves over 1,800 families per month, operating with a small staff and relying heavily on volunteers to sort, pack, and distribute food. The pantry is currently accepting in-kind donations of canned goods, proteins, dry pasta, winter coats, hats, gloves, and basic hygiene products.

  • Pantry 279 was established in 2015.
  • The pantry currently serves over 1,800 families per month.

The players

Pantry 279

A hunger relief organization in Southern Indiana that was founded in 2015 by Girl Scouts and now serves over 1,800 families per month.

Cindy Chavez

The director of Pantry 279, who emphasizes the organization's 'no questions asked' policy to help remove the stigma associated with seeking assistance.

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What they’re saying

“Pantry 279 is a place where you can keep your dignity.”

— Cindy Chavez, Director (Pantry 279)

What’s next

Those interested in volunteering can sign up via Pantry 279's Online Volunteer Form. Donations can be dropped off at the pantry's Bloomington location.

The takeaway

Pantry 279's 'no questions asked' policy and commitment to providing hunger relief with dignity highlights the important role that community-driven organizations play in addressing food insecurity, especially as demand surges in the region.