Indianapolis, Indiana – Midwest Food Bank Indiana is taking a major step toward strengthening its fight against hunger with the launch of a new campaign that could transform the way the organization serves families across the state. The nonprofit has announced its “Under One Roof” initiative, a $9 million effort to fund the construction of a 50,000-square-foot warehouse that will bring all of its operations into a single location.
Currently, the food bank operates out of two separate warehouses, a setup that leaders say creates unnecessary challenges and inefficiencies. By consolidating into one central hub, the organization hopes to streamline logistics, cut down on costs, and ultimately deliver more food to people who need it.
“This campaign is about so much more than bricks and mortar — it’s about people,” said Diara Nicholson, the executive director of Midwest Food Bank Indiana. “Every day, we face the challenge of operating out of two separate warehouses, which makes it harder to serve those who rely on us. A unified space means we can serve more families, support more volunteers, and respond more quickly when hunger strikes. This new building is a symbol of compassion in action — a place where hope is packed, sorted and delivered to those who need it most.”
The new facility would not only allow the nonprofit to keep all of its food and resources in one place, but it would also free up funds that are currently spent maintaining two different warehouses. According to the organization, reducing overhead in this way will allow more donations and grants to be used directly for food provision rather than administrative costs. Officials believe the shift could significantly increase their impact across Indiana.
Momentum for the campaign is already building. The Jean and Bernas Downing Charitable Trust made a lead gift of $4 million, giving the project a strong foundation. That commitment has inspired additional contributions, including $1 million in pledges from churches, businesses, and individual donors. The Lilly Endowment has also stepped in with a $2 million award, leaving the food bank closer to its $9 million goal.
Organizers say the effort is not just about building a structure but about creating a long-term solution to food insecurity. In Indiana, where thousands of families struggle to put meals on the table, the food bank plays a critical role in filling gaps left by other programs. Supporters of the campaign argue that a single, modern facility will position the nonprofit to respond faster and more effectively when emergencies arise, whether from economic hardship, natural disasters, or unexpected surges in demand.
In addition to its role in food distribution, the new warehouse is expected to strengthen the food bank’s volunteer network. A centralized location will allow more efficient scheduling and coordination of the thousands of volunteers who help sort, pack, and deliver food each year. Leaders believe this will deepen community engagement and give more people the opportunity to contribute to the mission.
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For now, the food bank is still finalizing details, including the exact location and building specifications for the consolidated warehouse. Once those plans are in place, construction can move forward, but officials emphasize that continued community support is essential to bringing the project to completion.
The “Under One Roof” campaign is not just a call for donations, but an invitation for Indiana residents to become part of a wider movement. With strong backing already secured from charitable trusts, faith communities, businesses, and major foundations, the campaign is well on its way. But leaders stress that every contribution, no matter the size, brings the food bank closer to building a home base that will serve countless families in the years to come.
As Nicholson put it, the new warehouse represents more than a physical space — it represents a commitment. For the staff, volunteers, and donors behind Midwest Food Bank Indiana, the vision is clear: a single roof under which compassion and action can come together to fight hunger across the state.
