How to Find Food Pantries and Hot Meals in the Evansville Area

Having trouble finding your local food pantry? There is an online tool available for food-insecure folks in the Evansville community.

The homelessness crisis is a very real issue. In 2023, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority calculated that there were about 4,398 people experiencing homelessness in the Hoosier State. That number included roughly 710 more people than the previous year.

Several folks are working toward shrinking that number. Providing resources for the unhoused is a step in the right direction that many are taking part in; however, finding those resources may not always be easy for those who need them. Luckily, there is an online tool available just for that purpose, thanks to one Evansville-based organization.

Evansville, Indiana: Commission on Homelessness

The Commission on Homelessness is composed of nonprofit organizations, city and county officials, law enforcement, and other community advocates dedicated to ending homelessness in Evansville and Vanderburgh County. The organization began its efforts in 2002 with a 10-year strategic plan aimed at investigating the root causes of homelessness and identifying individuals who are most at risk.

During the first 10 years, the Commission on Homelessness sought to understand the necessary elements for achieving stability for the unhoused. Additionally, the organization evaluated the resources currently available and those lacking within the local community. This foundational initiative has informed subsequent plans in 2012 and 2022, and will evolve further in 2025.

Finding Food Pantries and Hot Meals in Evansville

For those who may have trouble finding the resources they need in the Evansville community, the Commission on Homelessness has the answer. The organization maintains an online list of food pantries, little free pantries, and hot meals available on their website, complete with addresses and times. These are all regularly scheduled events open to Vanderburgh County residents. You can find a link to the website by clicking HERE.

On a personal note, I find it truly heartwarming to see so many local organizations on the list helping their brothers and sisters in need. It's very hard to focus on finding work or a place to sleep when you don't even know where your next meal is going to come from. Feel free to share this list with your friends, family, co-workers, and so on. Furthermore, if you would like to help this mission continue, you can donate directly to these nonprofits by clicking HERE.