The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana received $20,500 from Lake Area United Way through the NWI COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund, supported by generous individual donors as well as corporate donations. The fund was established to support human services organizations and the individuals and families they serve who are affected directly and indirectly by the COVID-19.
The funds are designated to add 2-3 temporary staff at the Food Bank to help manage the increased capacity as a result of COVID-19. “With more individuals and families needing food than any other time in the history of the Food Bank, additional staff is necessary to meet the demand”, said Victor A. Garcia, Executive Director. “We appreciate Lake Area United Way for lending this critical support”.
The temporary staff will be working with the warehouse operations team to advance efforts to provide food for those who need it most, such as seniors and displaced/unemployed workers through:
- Senior Food Box Deliveries to seniors that are at highest risk, shut in, lack transportation, or don’t qualify for any type of government assistance.
- Drive Thru Only Mobile Market Food Distributions
School Site Mini Mobile Market Distributions for families with children who were on free/reduced lunch - Targeted Mobile Market Food Distributions for Displaced/Unemployed Individuals in hospitality, retail, etc.
- Mini Mobile Market Distributions with several bulk items
- And more
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The NWI COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund launched on March 18, 2020, to help ensure individuals, children and families in need are supported during the pandemic. Lake Area United Way and a coalition of partners are working with the human services sector to identify immediate needs and make emergency funds available to organizations working directly with vulnerable populations.
