The Merrillville-based Food Bank of Northwest Indiana is collaborating with Volunteers of America to help veterans in need.
The goal is to provide better access to food for veterans in need of assistance.
The Gary branch of Volunteers of America operates multiple programs to assist struggling veterans. Among its initiatives are the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program and Supportive Services for Veteran Families.
Volunteers of America helps veterans find employment, assists them when they’re struggling with bills and housing and offers other support.
“Our whole goal is to make sure we impact (veterans’ lives) for the better,” said Brandon Fisher, Volunteers of America retention and engagement specialist, in a press release.
Tricia Sheaks said collaborations help the food bank get nourishing food to more neighbors. Sheaks is the food bank's VP of operations and community impact.
“When VOA (Volunteers of America) contacted us, we made sure we found a way to get what they needed to them,” Sheaks said. “Like our mission says, the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana’s purpose is ‘to feed people today, and end hunger tomorrow, by inspiring and collaborating with our community.'”
The partnership came at a time in which help was greatly needed.
Fisher said a veteran’s family experienced a house fire. Volunteers of America relocated the family, but housing wasn’t the family’s only need. Because of the collaboration with the food bank, the family received items for meals.
“They didn’t have any food or anything,” Fisher said. “This is why this partnership is thriving.”
Fisher hopes the partnership will result in veterans not worrying as much about the increasing cost of food. The Gary branch of Volunteers of America is growing and aims to provide more services to more veterans.
“Right now, we’re expanding in Northwest Indiana, the greater Gary area,” Fisher said. “What we’re trying to do is help put a bigger (focus) on the veterans that serve because those guys put their lives on the line for us and we want to expand the services for them.”
The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana distributes more than 7 million pounds of groceries annually to families, children and individuals in Lake and Porter counties. Founded in 1982, the food bank works with more than 110 partner agencies.
