Food Bank of NWI Launches Emergency Response Fund

In Lake County, the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana says it has launched an Emergency Response Fund in response to growing food insecurity across the Region, allowing the food bank to deepen its reach by adding four new mobile market distributions to the original 19 planned this month. Along with increasing the number of mobile markets, the Food Bank said it would be strengthening local pantries and delivering food directly to communities in Lake and Porter counties. Northwest Indiana U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan, who has spoken on the floor of Congress about the work carried out by Food Bank staff and volunteers, visited the Merrillville facility to learn about the fund and to volunteer time while he was there, helping to pack food for an upcoming distribution. Jeff Strack, CEO of Strack & Van Til, shared, “We are deeply committed to supporting our neighbors during this difficult time. We continue to work closely with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, the many local food pantries we serve, and our local Salvation Army chapters this holiday season to help ensure that those in need have access to essential food resources and support.” A news release also said donations to the Emergency Response Fund will be used to fund the operational costs of mobile markets and secure emergency food purchases, and volunteers are needed to assist with food box packing and staffing expanded distribution events. Here is a link to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana for more information on donating or volunteering.