Lending a hand in our community can make a significant impact. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), alongside the AEP Foundation, has been a regular partner with Fort Wayne’s Blessings in a Backpack to support the fight against food insecurity.

I&M is grateful for the impact Fort Wayne’s Blessing in a Backpack has had on our community, and through our partnership, we take pride serving alongside their efforts to combat childhood hunger. Through these efforts, we are honored to have been named an Abundance Spoon recipient for our work with the organization in 2024. 

This honor recognizes individuals or organizations who give above and beyond in both time and talent, showing dedication to fighting food insecurity and creating hope for youth in the Fort Wayne community.

I&M’s contributions have included grant support to aid Blessings in a Backpack’s food program, which provided over 3,000 children food bags to ensure access to food at home. Our team has also volunteered for initiatives coordinated by Blessings in a Backpack, including packing holiday themed “Believe Bags” for local students. These bags included handwritten positive messages from staff within each bag.  

Blessings in a Backpack began in 2007 as the organization fed 300 students from one school every weekend. Since then, it has grown to partner with seven schools within Fort Wayne, feeding 3,000 students every weekend.

Visit our community page for more information on how I&M is supporting our local communities from Rockport, Ind. to Bridgman, Mich. and how staff are making a difference through volunteering.