In honor of its 150th anniversary, Eli Lilly and Company pledges support for community organizations aiming to provide meals and cold storage at 150 food pantries.
In honor of its 150th anniversary, Eli Lilly and Company has announced an initiative to support nationwide nutritious food distribution. Through charitable support from HATCH, United Way Worldwide, United Way of Central Indiana, and the Pacers Foundation, the company aims to provide approximately 500,000 meals annually over five years.
The initiative will focus on expanding access to protein-rich food across communities through the creation of infrastructure that can store an estimated five million meals yearly. This support reflects Eli Lilly's belief that food is medicine and that access to nutritious food makes health possible.
Through this partnership with HATCH, a nonprofit organization specializing in charitable protein distribution and cold storage infrastructure, Eli Lilly will provide commercial-grade refrigeration systems to 150 food pantries nationwide. These systems will enable year-round delivery of nutrient-dense meals, addressing the significant protein-access gap faced by many food pantries.
"Access to nutritious food is foundational," said Melissa Coe, associate vice president for social impact and community engagement at Eli Lilly. "We are proud to support organizations like HATCH that work tirelessly to ensure families have access to vital nutrition."
The initiative will be implemented in 15 communities across the United States, including Indianapolis and Boone County, where it will partner with United Way of Central Indiana's Gleaners Food Bank and Second Helpings to distribute meals. Across additional communities, United Way Worldwide will coordinate charitable food distribution efforts alongside Lilly employees.
Fred Payne, president and CEO of United Way of Central Indiana, expressed gratitude for Eli Lilly's support: "Without the right infrastructure, it is hard to get nutritious food to families in need consistently. We are grateful for Lilly's willingness to partner with HATCH on this long-term solution."
The initiative also includes the Pacers Foundation's Drive & Dish program, which will expand to three new sites in Marion and Boone Counties over five years. This program aims to make healthy food more accessible while prioritizing dignity and choice.
Lilly is committed to these charitable efforts throughout the year, culminating in its annual Global Day of Service in September. The initiative spans 15 communities nationwide, underscoring Eli Lilly's dedication to improving health outcomes through community support.
With each step toward a healthier world, Lilly remains motivated by its mission: making life better for millions more people. By supporting organizations like HATCH and Drive & Dish, Lilly is working towards a future where nutritious food is accessible and affordable for all communities.
