By Christine Bryant, Times correspondent
What began as a small grassroots effort distributing food from a small barn in Gary has evolved into a regional 72,000-square-foot hunger-relief hub that distributes millions of meals annually.
But as the holidays approach, the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana is facing growing challenges alongside the families it serves.
“The rising cost of food, fuel and utilities has affected both the families we serve and our own operations,” CEO Victor Garcia said. “Every dollar we spend must now stretch further, and the need continues to grow.”
The food bank serves approximately 60,000 individuals each month — a number that has nearly doubled since before the pandemic.
“Rising food costs, inflation and lingering economic pressures have kept demand for our services at historic levels,” Garcia said.
Despite these challenges, he says the organization remains committed to innovation and efficiency in how it delivers food and hope.
“This year, we’re on track to distribute more than 10 million pounds of food, which equates to over 8.3 million meals,” he said. “That impact is made possible by the generosity of donors, volunteers and partners across Northwest Indiana.”
Since 1982, the food bank has worked to ensure families, seniors and individuals across Lake and Porter Counties have consistent access to nutritious food and critical resources. As needs have increased and technology has advanced, the organization has taken advantage of innovative ways to reach the community — from an OrderAhead online food ordering system to food distribution lockers that expand access to food 24/7.
Other key programs include senior grocery deliveries, school-based pantries, mobile market distributions and the Food is Medicine program, which medically tailors groceries for patients who are food insecure and have underlying health conditions.
“We also support a network of more than 130 partner agencies that provide direct food assistance across the Region,” Garcia said.
One of those organizations is the Sojourner Truth House, which assists homeless and at-risk women and their children through a day center program, transitional outreach programs and a food pantry.
Kristy Olsen, community resource supervisor at the Gary nonprofit, says the Sojourner Truth House distributes food and resources every Tuesday through Thursday. In the last two months, the organization has served more than 3,000 individuals each month.
“This work simply would not be possible without our partnership with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana,” Olsen said.
Other organizations the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partners with to reach neighbors include shelters, schools, senior centers and community groups, Garcia said.
“One of my favorite examples is our partnership with local schools through our youth programs,” he said. “Teachers often share stories of students who come to school more focused and ready to learn after receiving food support from our programs – a reminder that food is more than nourishment. It’s opportunity.”
While the holidays often bring generosity, Garcia says community needs spike in the spring and summer when children are out of school and can’t rely on school meals.
“Those months can be the hardest for many families,” he said.
There are several ways community members can help year-round.
“Our annual soiree and holiday food drive are coming up soon — both are critical to helping us meet the surge in year-end demand,” Garcia said. “These events not only raise funds but also awareness of the ongoing fight against hunger in our community.
Events are often published on the organization’s website, foodbanknwi.org, or social media pages. Individuals, schools or businesses also can support the food bank’s efforts by hosting a food or fund drive, making a monetary donation or volunteering as a group.
Volunteer opportunities are available in several areas, with the greatest needs in sorting and packing food, as well as assisting at mobile distributions and community events.
“Every effort, large or small, helps put food on the table for a neighbor in need,” Garcia said.
For more information on giving back, go to foodbanknwi.org/volunteer or foodbanknwi.org/donate-to-foodbank.