news & community
Nature's Crossroads Seeds - 25% supports MHC! (1/29/2010)
Nature's Crossroads is a new earth-friendly seed company located in Bloomington, Indiana! When you buy seeds from Nature's Crossroads 25% of your total will be donated to MHC. You have to click on the Nature's Crossroads squash picture below to navigate to their website - and only then will your purchase count towards MHC. February is their grand opening month so check back often for special deals and promotions. Nature's Crossroads offers over 100 varieties of seeds, including 12 grown by LIFE Certified Organic Farm in central Indiana.
Thanks Nature's Crossroads for offering great local (and organic) seeds, and for supporting MHC!
MHC receives the Sycamore Foundation’s “Best of the Best” Indiana Achievement Award (10/23/2009)
This year, the Indianapolis-based Sycamore Foundation will present the special Ten Year Anniversary "Best of the Best" Indiana Achievement Award to two exemplary nonprofits, and MHC is one of them! In 2005, MHC received the prize in the Small Organization/Innovative category, and so MHC had the opportunity to apply and be considered for the ten year anniversary “Best of the Best” Award.
MHC is thrilled and deeply honored to receive this prestigious award which also includes an unrestricted $20,000 cash prize.
This award recognizes MHC for innovation and adaptability. The judges appreciated MHC's grassroots style and programmatic model. Our organization strives to do things efficiently and yet remain inclusive and respectful of our patrons. Over the years, MHC has proven the ability to meet dramatic increases in community need while staying true to our mission.
Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard and Second Helpings of Indianapolis, the other Indiana Achievement Award winner, will be recognized at an awards luncheon at the Downtown Indianapolis Hyatt on December 8th. Bloomington can be proud of its record of non-profit innovation. In addition to MHC, in the past ten years Middle Way House Inc., Sycamore Land Trust, and Wonderlab all have won Indiana Achievement Awards.
MHC is the largest food pantry in Monroe County; it provides fresh healthful groceries to more than 1,900 patrons each week with. MHC serves people in need with food rescued by the Hoosier Hills Food Bank and distributed through its food pantry facility at 1010 S. Walnut Street in Bloomington.
MHC focuses on wholesome, healthful foods; it is unique in offering many whole foods and organic options, when available. MHC also operates Nutrition Education and Community Gardening programs that pass on skills to clients so they can choose healthier foods. Finally, and perhaps most crucial to its success, the Cupboard emphasizes respect for patrons, allowing them to shop for food, rather than receive pre-packaged parcels. Patrons are integral to the organization, with many of Mother Hubbard’s beneficiaries serving as volunteers.
Former MHC Director, Libby Yarnelle, receives Bill Krejci Cooperative Service Award (10/2009)
This year, Bloomingfoods awarded the Bill Krejci Cooperative Service Award to Libby Yarnelle. Jean Kautt, Bloomingfoods staff person spoke of Libby's committment to the community and her personal flare in everything she did. "She was a daughter and sister to be proud of, a teacher to respect and admire, and a friend to love for so many. Libby had this ageless quality that enabled herto talk to anyone – a homeless person, a child, or a bank president, with equal grace and wisdom. She was thoughtful, deliberate, and incredibly tenacious as she lived and breathed our seventh cooperative principle, Concern for Community. She had a lot to do with the close relationship Bloomingfoods enjoys with Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard to this day." For the complete story read this Bloomingfoods newsletter. Libby's family receive the award on her behalf and many of us from MHC were also there to celebrate Libby's legacy.
Former MHC Director, Libby Yarnelle, Passes Away (6/22/2009)
After a long battle with neuroendocrine cancer, Libby Yarnelle passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, June 17th with her family at her side. Libby shared her passion for food security and thoughtful service as the Director of Mother Hubbard's Cupboard for four years. We are grateful for all Libby shared with us at MHC. Our gardens grow large, our grocery bags overflow with healthy foods and our hearts are warmed because of Libby's dedication and endless compassion. Her creativity continues to impact the lives of many in this community through MHC's programs she worked to develop over the years. We cherish the time we had with Libby. A memorial service will be held at Garfield Park in Indianapolis on Saturday, June 27th at 11am. All are welcome. Condolences may be sent to Jim, Mary and Alexa Yarnelle at 1519 S New Jersey, Indianapolis, IN 46225.