This September, the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana asks the community to mobilize across Lake and Porter counties to fight hunger in the Region. To encourage the community’s participation and provide critical food assistance to people facing hunger across the Region, the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana will kick off Hunger Action Month with two special distributions to provide food assistance to 1,000 local families.
The 6th Annual Mobile Market distributions will be held on Friday, September 8 (3:00 – 6:00pm) at Wicker Memorial Park in Highland, and Tuesday, September 12 (4:00 – 6:00 pm) at South Haven Christian Church in Valparaiso.
The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana also encourages members of the community to get involved during Hunger Action Month. About 100 volunteers are needed to help distribute food at the Mobile Markets, and the Food Bank regularly accepts individuals and groups of volunteers at their facility.
“Hunger has a huge impact on Northwest Indiana and in the lives of our neighbors,” said Steve Beekman, executive director of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. “It takes more than just a few people fighting hunger to make a difference—it takes a community. We encourage everyone to get involved in the fight against hunger—whether you volunteer, donate, or simply take a few minutes to learn more about hunger in our region, it will make a big difference in the lives of the people we serve.”
Hunger Action Month is designed to inspire people to take action and raise awareness of the fact that 42 million Americans—including nearly 100,000 right here in Northwest Indiana—are food insecure, according to the USDA. In Lake and Porter counties, that’s one in six people who struggle with hunger and may not know where they’ll find their next meal. That number includes one in five kids who many not have enough to eat.
This year’s campaign continues to focus on the strong connection between hunger and health, and asks people to consider how it must feel to live with an empty stomach. Food insecurity has significant effects on an individual; it puts a healthy life and a promising future at risk.
“Nutritious produce is critically important for a healthy diet, and can have a positive impact on a person’s overall health and wellness,” explained Beekman. “The Hunger Action Month Mobile Markets will focus on providing fresh fruits, vegetables, and other wholesome foods to the individuals and families receiving assistance.”
In addition to protein, grains, canned goods and other meal items, the Food Bank will also distribute fresh, healthy produce at the Mobile Markets. Lake and Porter county residents attending their county’s distribution should bring proof of residency (ID, rent receipt, utility bill, etc…) and bags and boxes to carry their items in.
About the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana has been leading the Region’s fight against hunger since 1982 and distributes more than 4.2 million meals each year to hungry kids, adults and seniors across Lake and Porter counties. Each month the Food Bank serves more than 22,000 individuals and families through its 100+ partner agencies and programs like Pantry on the Go, Commodity Supplemental Food Program for seniors and the BackPack program. Visit foodbanknwi.org to learn more and join the fight against hunger in Northwest Indiana.