Boxing Out Hunger
Drive & Dish is a free program funded by Indiana Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle with support by the Pacers Foundation, individual donors, corporate partners, and philanthropic entities to provide nourishing food with dignity to families in need in the pursuit of food equity across Indiana.
In just its second year, the social impact program has evolved from a promising experiment into a model for intelligent food security solutions. What began as a straightforward mission to provide fresh produce and eggs to Indianapolis families has transformed into a sophisticated operation that served over 1,000 households and 250,000 pounds of food in its first year alone. The program’s rapid success wasn’t just about the numbers—it was about proving that food security initiatives could be both scalable and dignified.
Where We’re Headed
“Thanks to the work of our local partners and Gleaners, and by leveraging the generous investments of Pacers owners Herb Simon and Stephen Rales, the Pacers Foundation is able to bring Drive & Dish to Terre Haute and expand a model that has already demonstrated measurable outcomes,” said Pacers Sports & Entertainment Senior Vice President Corey Wilson. “Over the next decade, the Pacers Foundation will continue to expand this model statewide and use our brand to engage experts and thought leaders, advocate, and promote best practices.”
Now, we’re witnessing the power of strategic partnerships and technology to amplify social impact. By integrating with Indy Parks’ existing footprint and leveraging Gleaners2Go’s ordering platform, we’ve created a system that gives families choice in their food selections—a simple yet profound shift that restores dignity to the entire process. Our established relationships with youth basketball programs and court renovation initiatives with Indy Parks have provided the perfect foundation for this growth, turning local gathering spots into hubs of both recreation and essential services. Throught this strategic enhancement we intend to double our impact in 2025. Additionally, this marriage of community resources and smart technology has enabled expansion into Terre Haute, where we’re now delivering 440 boxes of fresh produce across six locations weekly.
Join Us
Drive & Dish is positioned to engage communities across Indiana in meaningful dialogue about food security solutions, with proven success in both urban and mid-sized markets. The Pacers Foundation stands ready to leverage its unique position at the intersection of sports, community development, and social impact to expand this innovative model statewide. Our three-point strategy for intentional engagement will establish the Foundation as both a thought leader and action catalyst in addressing food insecurity. This isn’t just about scaling a program—it’s about creating a movement that transforms how Indiana approaches food security, one community at a time.
To support Drive & Dish Powered by Gleaners2Go, click below