September kicks off the nation-wide awareness campaign, Hunger Action Month. The 4th Annual Mobile Markets will serve Lake and Porter County residents who are in need of food assistance. The Lake County Market will be held at Wicker Memorial Park in Highland, Indiana on Thursday, September 3rd from 3pm to 6pm. The Porter County Market will be held at the Boys and Girls Club of Porter County in Portage on Wednesday, September 9th from 4pm to 6pm.
The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana will serve more than 1,000 families during the two distributions. Each family will receive approximately 50lbs of food, including large quantities of fresh produce; canned goods, proteins, grains as well as some non-food items. Lake County residents should attend the Market at Wicker Memorial Park, Highland and Porter County residents should attend the Market at the Boys and Girls Club, Portage.
Those in need are required to show proof of Lake or Porter County residency (ID, utility bill, etc.) and are asked to bring bags or boxes to carry their items. The Mobile Markets are first-come, first-served.
“Fresh produce, dairy and high-quality proteins are the least donated food items, but the most requested from clients in the community. Hunger Action Month is our opportunity to focus on nutritious products and healthy lifestyles,” said Arleen Peterson, Executive Director for the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, “There are nearly 100,000 food insecure individuals in our community. Hunger Action Month is the perfect time to get involved to help fight hunger.”
This year the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana received a $5,000 grant from Anthem BlueCross BlueShield to off-set costs associated with the Lake County Mobile Market. Anthem will have representatives at the Lake County Market to answer questions about services for low-income families.
The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana serves more than 15,000 households monthly through 106 member agencies and hunger relief programs like mobile markets, BackPack, Commodity Supplemental Food Program and more. More information about the Food Bank and its programs can be found online at www.foodbanknwi.org.