HATCH began in 2015 with the idea of connecting farmers and food banks, not just on a local level, but a national one. Bringing together the power of those who supply healthy foods to our nation's grocery store shelves to the shelves of food pantries and food giving organizations in a sustainable way - one where helping people doesn't hurt businesses. We believe charity is important, but it's not the only answer. If we can build reliable sources of healthy food at a lower cost for the organizations that are on the front lines of hunger and poverty in their local communities, then we can change the nutrition access of our most vulnerable community members and help them lead better lives. Because we believe everyone deserves eggs.

On Friday, October 23rd, Jeff Simmons announced a new initiative called Food Secure Indy, a coalition of local government, non-profits and private companies that has come together for a lofty goal: to make Indianapolis the first food secure city in America. In addition to Elanco, partners in the initiative include the Pacers, Corteva, Indy Hunger Network, Gleaners, AgriNovus, Central Indiana Corporate Partnerships, United Way of Central Indiana, JumpIN, the Mayor, Governor, Family and Social Service Administration (FSSA) with several more partnerships in the discussion.

In January, it was estimated that the monthly meal gap in Indianapolis was about 350,000 meals. Over the last six months, the monthly meal gap as more than doubled to 750,000 meals a month. If we solve this problem, those ripple effects will become net-positives. Healthier people, healthier communities, a healthier economy and a more promising future generation.

EDGE Mentoring is the virtual answer for today’s generations, leveraging technology to create

intentional relationships, reduce loneliness, and increase the wellbeing of participants. Over

the last five years, EDGE served over 1,400 mentees and mentors in 35 states and 5 countries.