The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana at a press conference today, spoke about the state of hunger in the region, while at the first ever Mobile Market in Porter County. Mark Lopez, from the Honorable Peter Visclosky’s office (U.S. House of Representatives) and Valparaiso’s City Manager, Bill Odeing were also in attendance at the conference.
More than 50 million people in America face hunger; in Lake and Porter Counties there are more than 104,000 individuals and 34,000 are children. Programs like the Mobile Market, and a number of others that the Food Bank of NWI implements, help feed the food insecure in northwest Indiana. The Mobile Market is unique in that is managed and funded directly by the Food Bank; providing fresh produce as well as canned items, proteins, bread and more to those needing assistance. Fresh fruits and vegetables are especially critical for many low income families and help provide a balanced diet.
Funding for the Food Bank of NWI’s programs is from generous donors as well as grants throughout the year. The Food Bank of NWI along with Janette Ferrara, GM from Walmart (Valparaiso) and approx. 2 dozen Walmart volunteers announced two recently secured grants from the Walmart Foundation. These Walmart Foundation grants total $160,000. With Walmart Foundation’s Indiana State Giving Program the Food Bank created an all new senior feeding program in East Chicago called the Senior Pac. Senior Pac provides 100 seniors with 30 meals each month. Programs like the Senior Pac can pave the way for future senior-specific programs throughout Lake and Porter Counties.
Walmart Foundation’s additional grant provided the Food Bank with a 24’ refrigerated truck to join the aging fleet of vehicles at the Food Bank. The vehicle will be used to help secure additional fresh, perishable food from retailers across northwest Indiana. Adding to the fleet, the Food Bank can also travel more and reach greater distances to help feed the food insecure throughout the region.