Pamela Altmeyer Alvey        December 11, 1946 – June 8, 2024

 Pamela (Pam) Altmeyer Alvey, a beacon of compassion and dedication, passed away on June 8th, 2024 at IU West Hospital in Avon, Indiana. Born on December 11th, 1946 in Indianapolis, she leaves behind a legacy that will forever be etched into the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Pam was the beloved wife of Daniel (Dan) Alvey and preceded in death by her son, Bryan Christopher Bennett. She also leaves behind her devoted sister Patricia Pinkard and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Her family meant everything to her and she cherished every moment spent with them.

In 1981, Pam was the first full-time hire of Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, located in a three and half car garage serving the entire state of Indiana and one of the very first food banks in the nation. She was the founding President & CEO of Gleaners Food Bank. Jim Morris, Vice Chairman, Pacers Sports & Entertainment, former Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programmer, and Chairman of Gleaners’ 2010 capital campaign to acquire their current headquarters shared “Pam Altmeyer Alvey was an incredible lady. No one worked harder or cared more for the hungry, lonely, vulnerable people of Indiana. Her excellent work fed hundreds of thousands of people during her remarkable life. She was my good friend. I admired her so much. A great loss for our community.”

In July 2021, Gleaners dedicated a mural, painted by local artist Alicia Zanoni Lawrence, in Gleaners’ Volunteer Central room as an honor to Pam and the fact that she championed the thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time and talent. On that day Pam stated, “What we can do together is so much greater than what we can do alone.”

In September 2023, at a Gleaners event, Pam shared that the thing she was most grateful for during all her time at Gleaners, was the support of the Board and the community for the successful acquisition of Gleaners’ current facility.  Pam’s vision was that we were only on the margins of capturing food that was going to waste from growers, processors, and others. She knew there were more opportunities if we had the proper space. Pam shared “I am even more amazed at the innovation and intentional work to alleviate poverty. I mean it when I say to Gleaners team members and volunteers that they are making my dreams come true and I am so very, very grateful.”

During her tenure, Pam worked with United States Senator Richard Lugar and they became great friends. She and Senator Lugar shared the same vision and passion when it came to nutrition programs and both shared a connection between nutrition and educational achievement that left a lasting legacy on our community and our country. She helped inform his policy work on the Lugar-sponsored Good Samaritan Act which was the legal impetus for retail food store donations of nutritious, perishable food that, at the time, quickly became the greatest source of corporate food donations to the national hunger relief network. In 2006, Senator Lugar paid tribute to Pam on the floor of the U.S Senate sharing, in part, “I have had the joy of working closely with Pam Altmeyer and Gleaners Food Bank in procuring resources for Hoosiers in need.  I believe that, both as a Nation and individuals, we can do more to improve the lives of those in need. I am deeply grateful for Pam’s important service and leadership as well as for the remarkable work done by her colleagues at Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana.”

Pam loved not only working for hungry Hoosiers but was an avid collector and admirer of flowers and rocks. Anyone going on a trip, no matter how close or far away, was always asked to bring her a rock.

Pam was a member of many organizations during her life but loved the Speedway Lions Club and its members best for their work in the community and for introducing her to Dan.

She loved her state and nation. She would always ask new friends, “Are you registered to vote?” She always carried her cup containing Diet Coke which had her “I Voted” stickers from several elections affixed to it.

Pam was a breast cancer survivor, a diabetic, and an outspoken supporter of affordable health care and drug costs. She had agreed to be an organ donor and was able to continue helping those in need after her death. She will forever be remembered for her wit, power of persuasion, and intelligence, but most of all for her hugs and her unwavering empathy and compassion, treating everyone with the same kindness, no matter their circumstances.

A celebration of Pam’s life will be held on August 19th, 2024 from 1 pm – 3 pm at Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, 3737 Waldemere Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46241.  As Pam would have wanted, everyone is welcome and encouraged to bring their sense of humor and stories to share with others.  “Diet Coke will be available.”

To plant a tree in memory of Pamela Altmeyer Alvey, please visit our Tribute Store.