Who we are

The Patachou Foundation is an anti-hunger organization that goes beyond serving gap-filling meals to make a deep and lasting impact by addressing the root causes of hunger to provide innovative hunger solutions.

An unparalleled Situation

Nearly 80% of kids attending the schools The Patachou Foundation serves live at or below poverty and are faced with daily food insecurity and hunger. Indianapolis is ranked worst in the nation for access to fresh foods, so even if resources are available, access to fresh food is not. Indianapolis area schools are not equipped with working ovens or functioning kitchens. Federally funded food programs typically fall short, leaving kids with only processed, unhealthy food choices. Many children go home to empty cupboards and empty refrigerators. For most of the children The Patachou Foundation serves, the pre-packaged school breakfasts and lunches are the only guaranteed meals of the day. The lack of quality food access negatively impacts school attendance, behavior in and out of school, and overall health.

What does our mission statement mean?

Cultivate

• Cultivate = to improve or develop by careful attention

• Working with and alongside our community

• Laying the groundwork for food sovereign individuals and communities

• Long-term investment in our communities

Opportunity for youth

• Commitment to upending the conversation around hunger relief and to pursuing sustainable models that address systemic causes of hunger

• Amplifying the value and power of food for youth as we partner with schools, communities, and families in our communities

Food as a tool for opportunity

• Food is fuel

• Highlighting the complex food system and food’s journey from field to plate

• Food and farming knowledge in the classroom and cafeteria

• Experiential learning has both immediate applications to readily accessible and culturally relevant food options and long-term knowledge and skills about food literacy.