INDIANA— The Hummingbird Charitable Foundation, founded by former Second Lady of the United States, Karen Pence, today announced that its 2026 philanthropic focus will be on food insecurity in Indiana, a crisis affecting hundreds of thousands of families across the state. According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap, nearly 950,000 Hoosiers, 13.9% of the state’s population, are food insecure, with more than half of those households including children. Recent surveys show that over half of Central Indiana residents experienced food insecurity in the past year, and 37% reported missing meals because they didn’t have enough
food.  

With deep appreciation for the many organizations striving to end hunger across the state, the Hummingbird Charitable Foundation will honor three exceptional nonprofits in 2026 with the Hummingbird Award.

• Second Helpings: Fighting food waste, hunger, and poverty in Central Indiana.
• Out of a Jam: Feeding, nourishing, and transforming lives in Fort Wayne and the
  surrounding communities.
• Urban Seeds: Connecting families with healthy food and supporting farms in Southwest
  Indiana.

In addition to providing food to Hoosiers, these organizations address education, health, and opportunities to create lasting impact. Second Helpings empowers individuals through culinary job training, Urban Seeds partners with healthcare providers to address diet-related disease, and Out of a Jam inspires children to make healthy choices through cooking classes. Together, they show that ending hunger means transforming lives and strengthening communities.

“Hunger touches every corner of our state, affecting children, parents, and seniors alike. It is not just about empty plates—it’s about the stress, the lost opportunities, and the diminished health that come with food insecurity. No single group can solve this challenge alone, which is why we are so inspired by the nonprofits we are honoring. They have stepped up with extraordinary dedication, feeding families, restoring dignity, and creating pathways to stability. Their work proves that when communities unite, we can confront hunger head-on. We couldn’t be prouder to support them.”—Karen Pence, Founder, Hummingbird Charitable Foundation

“We are deeply honored to receive the Hummingbird Award from the Hummingbird Charitable Foundation. At Second Helpings, we believe in meeting urgent needs while also building long-term solutions, and this award is a powerful affirmation of that approach. Every meal we prepare, every pound of food we rescue, and every culinary graduate we support is part of a larger movement to fight hunger from all angles. We’re incredibly grateful for this recognition and the opportunity to continue this work with even greater impact.” – Linda Broadfoot, CEO, Second Helpings

“At Out of a Jam, we have a deep love for Indiana and its community. We are proud to be connected to the Hummingbird Charitable Foundation, sharing a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those around us.”—Paula Kaufman, Executive Director, Out of a Jam

“Urban Seeds is honored to be recognized by the Hummingbird Charitable Foundation and grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our work at the 2026 spring luncheon. This incredible partnership will allow us to connect more families with fresh produce and increase our support to Hoosier farmers. Thank you for investing in a stronger, healthier food system in Southwest Indiana.”—Maria Marton, Executive Director, Urban Seeds

The organizations will be honored at the Hummingbird Charitable Foundation’s fundraising luncheon on March 26, 2026, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis. Each honoree will receive a check made possible through ticket sales and sponsorships, ensuring that the community’s generosity directly empowers their mission.

Companies and individuals can demonstrate their support by purchasing tickets to the luncheon or becoming sponsors through the Foundation’s website.

About Hummingbird Charitable Foundation
The Hummingbird Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3), is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and supporting charitable causes and organizations that make a significant difference in Indiana. Established in 2024, the Foundation is committed to its mission to enrich the lives of Hoosiers by financially supporting select charities and maximizing their impact as they serve communities across the state of Indiana.