Ind. Members Assist Statewide Food Bank Operations

Maj. Bill Vendramin
Public Affairs Officer
Indiana Wing

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indiana Wing has activated about 70 members to assist with various food distribution within the state.

Wing members participated in one mission led by the Marion Community School System, which initiated a weekly grab-and-go food program March 18. As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program, the school system is distributing a week’s worth of food – two meals ar day for five days – to Marion children on Wednesdays.

The program provides “food for any child age 18 or younger living in the city of Marion,” said the school system’s director of communications, Patricia Gibson. “They do not have to be an enrolled student at Marion Community Schools.”

On average, the school system has distributed 30,000-35,000 meals each Wednesday.

“Indiana Wing Civil Air Patrol volunteers are here for the community. Getting food to those in need serves a vital role we are happy to perform,” said Maj. Mendie Hornbuckle, Indiana Wing Group III commander, who participated in the food distribution April 15.

In addition, wing members assisting the Salvation Army, the Midwest Food Bank and the Indiana National Guard on April 17 at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium helped pack and prepare 6,473 boxes of food for Hoosier families in need.

The Salvation Army and Civil Air Patrol have a history of cooperation and dedication to community service. During the pandemic, CAP is assisting the Salvation Army with its food distribution efforts because government-mandated closures, stay-at-home orders and supply chain issues are causing high demand on food pantries.

The Indiana Wing expects missions to continue, including in southern and northern Indiana.


Photos by 1st. Lt. Vincent Cannon, Weir Cook Cadet Squadron, Indiana Wing