INDIANA (WTWO/WAWV) — What started in Marion County as a resource for those struggling with food insecurity has now made its way to Vigo County and throughout the rest of Indiana.
Community Compass is an app that navigates users to the nearest hot meal site, food pantry, WIC or Snap retailer within Indiana. Indy Hunger Network Assistant Manager Alex Sindorf said it is not always easy to find the correct information.
“We wanted to provide updated consolidated information for people,” Sindorf said. “In order to make that process easier so the people can connect to the resources that are in their own communities.”
The app features categories to choose from including chat assistance and map locations. Places like Catholic Charities Food Bank is one of the locations in our area presented on the map.
“Terre Haute Catholic Charities Food Bank serves more than 32,000 individuals across a seven-county service area here in West Central Indiana,” said Jennifer Buell with Catholic Charities. “And there’s actually more people than that who are food insecure.”
According to the USDA, food assistance is a need in every community, but especially so in Indiana, where 11.6 percent of the population is struggling with food insecurities. Sindorf said they encourage everyone to get involved, even if those who are not struggling.
“Get familiar with the resources that are in your community because there are so many people dealing with food insecurity in our communities that you never know who might benefit from hearing about it,” said Sindorf.
Community Compass is now available on the Apple and Android app stores. The free app is offered in nine different languages, including English and Spanish.
