Connecting food to families at home: How Fresh Connect supports Crooked Creek Food Pantry

Crooked Creek Food Pantry serves neighbors on the north side of Indianapolis, just 12 miles away from Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana and Fresh Connect Central.

Crooked Creek Food Pantry began in February 2015 after identifying one of several food deserts in Marion County — one of 21 counties served by Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. Located just 12 miles from Gleaners, Crooked Creek serves children, families, and neighbors through its distribution center inside the Eskenazi Health Center building.

A Crooked Creek Food Pantry volunteer hands out food to neighbors visiting a drive-thru distribution in July 2025.

Much of the food Crooked Creek receives is picked up from Gleaners, which shares its warehouse with Fresh Connect Central, a social enterprise Gleaners created that operates as a regional hub to source and distribute fresh produce, protein, dairy, and dry goods across the nation. 

Eligible households at Crooked Creek can shop twice monthly for food and personal care items. Since 2015, demand for food assistance has steadily increased. Kathy Hahn Keiner, executive director of Crooked Creek Food Pantry, recalled that early on, the biggest question was, “Where’s the food?” because supplies were limited. Later, the concern shifted to fresh produce availability. Despite improvements, the need continued to grow for the pantry. 

Today, about 85% of the food Crooked Creek distributes comes from pallets picked up at Gleaners, many sourced through Fresh Connect Central. Around 40% of their distribution is fresh produce, followed by protein and dairy — creating a more balanced, nutritious offering. 

Hahn Keiner described the difference Fresh Connect Central has made for Crooked Creek: “It enables partners like Crooked Creek to offer a wider variety of fresh produce that lasts longer. Grocery store pickups are helpful, but the food often needs to be distributed the next day. Fresh Connect Central’s pallets can last up to a week, allowing for better food quality and more flexibility. That’s exactly what our neighbors want.” 

Believing in the power of choice, Fresh Connect Central supports pantries, food banks, nonprofits, and agencies — whether they’re 12 miles away or thousands —helping communities increase access to nutritious, quality food. 

Endless possibilities. Real impact. Fresh Connect Central.