Nearly 5,000 children in Indianapolis alone show signs of malnourishment, with 20 percent of children in Central Indiana living in households that can’t always afford to eat.
When Buckingham Foundation learned that nearly all of the 420 students at George Buck Elementary (GBE) were on free or reduced lunch and many struggled with hunger, the Foundation was inspired to make a difference. In March 2015 over the period of several days, the Buckingham Foundation transformed an empty storage room into a fully-stocked food pantry with refrigerators, freezers and several shelving units.
In Fall 2023, the Buckingham Foundation Food Pantry relocated to Arlington Middle School following the closure of GBE. The Foundation stocks the pantry throughout the year through various food and donation drives.
Buckingham Foundation provides more than donations and volunteers; the Foundation has become an advocate in the fight against childhood hunger. Arlington is located in Marion County, where 23 percent (54,440) of children face food insecurity. Of the 435 students currently enrolled at Arlington, 75 perfect are considered economically disadvantaged.
