Food Bank and McDonald’s fight hunger with Pantry on the Go

Pantry on the Go Kicks Off its 7th Year of
Fighting Hunger and Feeding Hope in the Region

Pantry on the Go, the mobile food distribution program that serves more than 350,000 individuals in Northwest Indiana each year, will return for its seventh consecutive year in 2017. The program year kicks off Wednesday, March 29 at the Banta Center in Valparaiso (605 Beach Street) and continues through the end of the year. Locations for Pantry on the Go are posted on the Food Bank’s website each month and updates are regularly available on Facebook and Twitter. Unless otherwise noted, the Pantry on the Go visits each location from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

The weekly Pantry on the Go program is sponsored in part by Northwest Indiana McDonald’s Owners/Operators (NIMO) and travels throughout Northwest Indiana, stopping at churches, schools, organizations and other destinations to distribute food assistance. Local Northwest Indiana McDonald’s managers, supervisors and crew members serve as volunteers at each location.

“We are grateful not only for NIMO’s support of this program, but for the many volunteers from local McDonald’s restaurants who give their time to ensure this critical food assistance reaches those who need it most,” said Steve Beekman, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.

Thanks to Pantry on the Go, thousands of individuals and families have greater access to nutritious food,” said Beekman.

The partnership between NIMO and the Food Bank provides access to grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy and proteins for local families and individuals who are struggling with hunger and lack access to good, nutritious food. Those who feel they could benefit from the Pantry on the Go service need only to visit the assigned location with proof of Indiana residency (photo ID, utility bill, etc.) to receive food assistance.

“McDonald’s owner/operators across Northwest Indiana understand first-hand the issues impacting those that are less fortunate in the region,” said Rod Lubeznik, NIMO Board President and a McDonald’s owner/operator in Northwest Indiana. “The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana plays a critical role in the region and we are honored to support their efforts.”

“We are passionate about contributing in any way we can to improve the quality of life for Indiana residents who are food insecure,” said Lubeznik.

“The partnership between the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana and the Northwest Indiana McDonald’s Owner/Operators brings the Pantry on the Go to many communities across the region,” said Dave Furman, a Food Bank board member and president of Restaurant Management Corporation and McDonald’s team member in Northwest Indiana for 40 years. “Through this program, the Food Bank is able to bring meals directly to the people they serve. Pantry on the Go eliminates transportation as a potential barrier for the distribution of food to those in need.”

You can see the impact of the Pantry on the Go program through a short video series available here.

For more information on Pantry on the Go or Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, including updated locations for the program, please call (219) 980-1777 or visit foodbanknwi.org/POG.