As the situation with CORONAVIRUS (also known as COVID-19) continues to evolve, the Food Bank of Northwest is proactively taking measures to ensure that our hunger relief resources and services continue to be available to individuals and families facing hunger in Lake and Porter Counties. Currently, all distribution, delivery, and pickup programs remain open and will continue as such with the utmost caution and preparedness to ensure that children, seniors, limited-resourced families, and others who need it—have food critical to their health and well being. To help us address the growing demand, DONATE NOW.

“We are preparing and equipping our staff and volunteers with the tools, resources, and information needed to keep the food and warehouse environment as safe as possible. Staff and volunteers who have flu-like symptoms or feel ill will be asked to return home,” said Victor A. Garcia, Executive Director.

The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana is asking all visitors to our facility to take the following precautions to minimize and hopefully stop the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses:

  • Stay home if you are feeling ill.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly throughout the day with soap and water. This is the most effective way of preventing illness. The Center for Disease Control recommends lathering soap onto the backs of your hands, in between your fingers and under your nails for 20 seconds and to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, it’s not as effective as washing your hands with soap and water, but it is helpful.
  • Turn away from others when sneezing and coughing and do so into a disposable tissue and discard. Use your elbow only if you have to.
  • Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and/or mouth.
  • Avoid handshaking!
  • Use ONLY your knuckle to touch light switches, printer buttons, etc.
  • Open doors with your closed fist or hip – do not grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door.

The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana will stay as informed and prepared as possible with the most up-to-date information from the most reputable sources:

  1. Center for Disease Control – https://www.cdc.gov/
  2. Indiana State Department of Health – https://www.in.gov/isdh/

For the most up-to-date information on any additional response from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana or our agency partners, please check here, and  follow our Facebook or Twitter channels.