Jewel-Osco, Majestic Star Casino, and Chicago radio stations 101.9 The Mix, The New SHE 100.3 and 97.1 FM The Drive are partnering with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana to provide 1,000 local families in need with Thanksgiving meal assistance. The Thanksgiving Community Care-a-Van will provide individuals and families with food for a complete Thanksgiving meal, including a turkey, vegetables, and other side items.

The distributions are open to all Northwest Indiana residents in need of food assistance, and are first-come, first-served until the end of the distribution or all meals have been served. Distributions will be held at two locations on Thursday, November 21st:

  1. 10am – 12pm at YWCA (150 W 15th Avenue, Gary)
  2. 4pm – 6pm at Food Bank of Northwest Indiana (6490 Broadway, Merrillville)

“Hunger becomes more apparent during the holidays. Low income families that rely on consistent meals for their children through free and reduced school lunch programs are likely to experience a strain on their budget with having to provide additional groceries. Increased child-care costs factor in as well, with parents working, and children being off during the break,” said Bob Lowry, President of the Board of Directors for the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. “With the generosity of partners like Jewel-Osco, Majestic Star Casino, and Hubbard Radio, our ability to address hunger in the community during the holidays is amplified”.

“Helping people who are in need has been a long-held initiative for Jewel-Osco,” said Mike Withers, President of Jewel-Osco. “We are fortunate to partner with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, Hubbard Radio and Majestic Star Casino & Hotel to give back this holiday season.”

“Hubbard Radio Chicago is proud to partner with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana and Majestic Star Casino to help set the Thanksgiving table for our neighbors in need,” said Jeff England, HRC Vice President/Market Manager. “This our third straight year supporting the Thanksgiving Community Care-A-Van and we are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference for so many individuals and families this holiday season.”

In addition to sponsoring 1,000 Thanksgiving meals for Northwest Indiana residents in need, Hubbard Radio Chicago is holding three holiday food drives at Lake County Jewel-Osco grocery stores to raise additional food, funds, and awareness for hunger relief in our community. Individuals are welcome to drop off food donations on:

  1. November 2nd, 10am – 4pm, Jewel, 1276 Main Street, Crown Point,
  2. November 9th, 10am – 4pm, Jewel, 805 Joliet Street, Dyer, IN
  3. November 16th, 10am – 4pm, Jewel, 716 Ridge Rd

For more details on food drive and the Thanksgiving Care-A-Van, visit wdrv.com and type in keywords Majestic Star Casino.

More than 93,000 Northwest Indiana residents—including more than 30,000 children—struggle with hunger on a daily basis. The pressure of the holiday adds more strain. Working closing with community partners, the Food Bank provides additional food assistance to ensure that our neighbors have access to enough nutritious food during this time of year. For more information on where to receive help or how to get involved, visit foodbanknwi.org.