by Caleb Kulinski (caleb@indyhunger.org) is the Director of Advocacy and Partner Engagement at Indy Hunger Network.
Describe your organization and role.
Indy Hunger Network (IHN) is a collective impact organization that works with the leading anti-hunger organizations and corporations in the greater Indianapolis area. We work on a variety of projects with the aim of fostering collaboration amongst partners and stakeholders, filling the gaps in our hunger relief system, and advocating for policies that alleviate hunger and address its root causes. In my role as Director of Advocacy and Partner Engagement, I oversee both our advocacy efforts and our long-standing AmeriCorps VISTA program that builds capacity for hunger relief projects in and around Marion County.
What are two projects and/or partnerships that have been impactful in the work you do?
Cooking Matters Program: This a national cooking and nutrition education program established through Share our Strength that allows participants to learn how to prepare and eat healthy foods on a budget. This is the first project that I was introduced to when I started working with IHN as an AmeriCorps VISTA. Food is one thing that really brings everyone together, so to be able to share a meal with participants and empower them to establish healthy eating habits has made a huge impact on me. It is what drove me to continue working with IHN to address food insecurity in Indiana.
Federal Nutrition Programs Toolkit: This recently released toolkit was developed in partnership with the Indiana Department of Health, Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) and Feeding Indiana’s Hungry. This is a tool that was designed to help people find information on nutrition programs available through the federal government and administered by the state of Indiana. This tool also includes information on local food resources like food banks, food pantries, and Community Compass. The goal of this tool is to make nutrition programs more accessible by sharing information on the benefits and eligibility requirements so Hoosiers can get the support that they may need.
What is the most interesting part of your role?
The most interesting part of my role is engaging with legislators on all levels of government to address hunger and its root causes. Since hunger is such a multifaceted issue, we’re not only engaging on issues related to nutrition programs like SNAP, WIC, and TANF but also transportation, housing, and issues surrounding other basic needs. It is great to be able to work with other organizations who are doing their part to make sure the systems are as efficient as they can be to best serve local communities.
What is the “why” behind what you do?
When I first served as AmeriCorps VISTA back in 2018, I did not know much about food insecurity or the barriers people face when they are trying to access nutritious food. My involvement with the Cooking Matters program allowed me to grow alongside our participants. This experience inspired me to further focus my career on food insecurity. Since that first introduction, it has become a deep passion of mine to ensure that our food systems are equitable and sustainable so that no one has to experience hunger. This includes making sure that barriers are confronted and broken down to fully address the root causes of hunger. As I have become more oriented to this space, my passion for this work has just continued to grow!
Is there anything else SNAC members should know?
While we focus our work on the greater Indianapolis area, the scope of our work and partnerships extends across the state. The Federal Nutrition Programs Toolkit and Community Compass are examples of statewide resources that we offer.
Community Compass is a great tool that connects people to food resources within their local communities. The Federal Nutrition Programs Toolkit goes one step beyond that by outlining the federal nutrition programs and related eligibility requirements. We can’t do this work alone, however, so we are always open to working with other organizations or stakeholders to address issues concerning food and nutrition security within the state. It really is going to take everyone to address these issues!
We are also currently recruiting for our AmeriCorps VISTA cohort. We have 11 positions offered through our partner organizations that serve in a variety of public health-related fields. This can involve projects related to development, communications, nutrition programs for seniors, or other general projects that are aimed at improving food security. We are always willing to share more information with anyone who might be interested! You can learn more about the program and open positions on our website.