More than 12% of the US population suffers from hunger. Not-for-profit food distribution organizations, including food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, and other food programs, help provide for the nutritional needs of more than 25 million Americans each year. Because many states do not require licensing or registration, it is difficult to accurately determine the number or types of food assistance programs operating throughout the country. The purpose of this project was to develop a directory and database of not-for-profit food distribution organizations operating in Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin. An initial listing of food distribution organizations was obtained from the Division of Family and Children in each state. These lists were then expanded with the aid of food bank member agency lists, input from Cooperative Extension field staff in each county, and a variety of other sources. The resulting master list consisted of nearly 2,500 organizations in the 3 states (Indiana - 1,200, Wisconsin - 800, Iowa - 500). A survey was developed, piloted, and mailed to each of the 2,500 identified organizations. A follow-up post card was mailed 6 weeks later. Surveys were returned at a rate of about 30%. A database was constructed to provide access to the survey data. Organizational, operational, and educational needs information was entered for each responding organization. The names and addresses of nonrespondents were also entered into the database. The database was constructed to permit searching based on a variety of criteria, including: county, city, zip code, organization name, and type of program. A directory of food assistance organizations was also constructed for each of the 3 states. Each directory lists the names and addresses for all survey nonrespondents and the name, address, and general information for all respondents who agreed to be included. The directories and database developed through this project provide a previously unavailable view of the hunger communities in a 3 state area. Additionally, these tools allow food donors to quickly locate recipient organizations, simplify cooperative efforts between organizations, and provide a quick reference for members of the hunger community.