In response to growing food insecurity across the Region, the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana has launched the Northwest Indiana Emergency Response Fund.
The fund will help meet the increased demand for food assistance and ensure families have access to essential resources.
“This is a concept the food bank came up with to meet emergent needs,” said Victor Garcia, Food Bank of Northwest Indiana president and CEO, in a press release. “We're excited to bring this new opportunity to the community to ensure funding is available to respond to whatever crisis our community may be facing.”
Garcia explained the need.
“For every one meal the Food Bank provides, SNAP benefits supply nine,” he said. “We often describe ourselves as the safety net to the safety net, but we cannot replace the role of government. That’s why partnerships and public support are so critical.”
This funding allows the food bank to deepen its reach by adding four new mobile market distributions to the original 19 planned.
Congressman Frank Mrvan has also spoken on the floor of Congress about the vital work carried out by the Food Bank’s staff and volunteers to meet the basic nutritional needs of Northwest Indiana residents.
“The Northwest Indiana Emergency Response Fund is built on community support,” Mrvan said. “From volunteers, to donations, to philanthropy, to kind souls paying it forward. I am deeply moved by this community action, as neighbors across the Region dedicate their time and efforts towards ensuring no one goes hungry.”
Jeff Strack, Strack & Van Til CEO, said Strack & Van Til is committed to supporting the community.
“We continue to work closely with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, the many local food pantries we serve and our local Salvation Army chapters this holiday season to help ensure that those in need have access to essential food resources and support,” Strack said.
The Merrillville-based food bank is executing a rapid and strategic response to the crisis by increasing mobile markets, strengthening local pantries and delivering food directly to communities in Lake and Porter counties.
With no SNAP benefits in November, many families in the community are facing greater financial hardship and a reduction in their ability to purchase nutritious meals. The change creates an immediate and substantial gap in resources for families, children, veterans, people with disabilities and seniors across Northwest Indiana.
