The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana received $20,000 from Lake Area United Way to address food insecurity among special needs individuals.  The Food Bank will work in partnership with TradeWinds to provide “Pantry Pack”, a monthly grocery delivery program specifically for individuals with special needs.   “We have 50 clients who struggle with food insecurities during any given month. As they pay rent, utilities, medical needs, and other necessities, the household funds are stretched thin, Most of the households are below the poverty threshold with 72% of our client incomes below $20,000 annually and 19% less than $30,000. Many have limited or no transportation access due to income constraints . The Pantry Pack supplemental food boxes will help to improve the lives of many of the individuals we serve so they do not have to make difficult choices between paying bills, receiving medical services, or spending limited funds to buy food”, said Lisa Tatina, Tradewinds Director of Development.

The Food Bank will create, package and deliver a 30 pound box of donated or purchased food to TradeWinds for their enrolled clients to pick up while they are on-site for services. This eliminates the transportation barrier some clients may have in gaining access to food from a local pantry. In addition, this insures the client has a minimum of 36 meals in their home each month and frees up the limited financial resources they have for other basic needs like housing and healthcare.

The funds allow the Food Bank to be creative and innovative addressing hunger during a time when so many neighbors are adversely affected by COVIV-19.  “With more individuals and families needing food than any other time in the history of the Food Bank, additional funding is necessary to meet the demand”, said Victor A. Garcia, Executive Director. “We appreciate Lake Area United Way for lending this critical support”.

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Lake Area United Way is engaged in communities across Lake County, Indiana. We are focused on creating community-based and community-led solutions that strengthen the cornerstones for a good quality of life: education, financial stability and health. To find out more, visit: https://www.lauw.org/