Business Details
44 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Source for Food Assistance in Northwest Indiana
The Food Bank Of Northwest Indiana has been leading the fight against food insecurity since 1982. We distribute over 9 million pounds of food annually through 130+ partner agencies, mobile markets, and direct service programs. Our mission focuses on providing immediate hunger relief while addressing root causes of food insecurity. We serve Lake and Porter counties, impacting nearly 60,000 individuals monthly. As a Feeding America member, we leverage national resources while maintaining local community partnerships.Our programs include senior food assistance, veteran support, and youth nutrition initiatives. We operate a modern 20,000 sq ft distribution facility in Merrillville, Indiana. Our team combines decades of experience with innovative solutions to combat hunger. We maintain strict compliance with federal nutrition standards and anti-discrimination policies. Community support enables us to provide hope through food assistance and advocacy.
Services
Mobile Market
SNAP Outreach
Pantry Pack
Backpack Program
Street Outreach
Food Rescue
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
Job Training
Diaper Bank
Food is Medicine
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- Serving Northwest Indiana communities since 1982 with proven impact
- Distribute 9+ million pounds of food annually through 130+ partner agencies
- Operate modern 20,000 sq ft distribution facility in Merrillville
- Offer specialized programs for seniors, veterans, and children
- Maintain federal nutrition compliance and anti-discrimination standards
Associations and certifications
- Feeding America
What people say
Excellent community support
Efficient service
Lifeline for families
Dedicated volunteers
Well-organized operations
Services
Mobile Market
Our Mobile Market program brings fresh groceries directly to underserved communities. This service distributes nutritious food weekly through scheduled stops across Lake and Porter counties. Each distribution event serves hundreds of families with produce, proteins, and staple items.
SNAP Outreach Program
We help eligible individuals access Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Our staff provides application assistance and eligibility guidance for food-insecure residents. This program connects thousands with monthly grocery purchasing support through EBT cards.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
Monthly grocery boxes specifically designed for seniors aged 60+. Each package contains shelf-stable items including fruits, vegetables, proteins, and dairy. This program addresses nutritional needs for low-income seniors through home delivery or pickup options.
Backpack Program
Provides discreet weekend food packs for children facing food insecurity. Partnering with schools to distribute backpacks containing easy-to-prepare meals. This program ensures children have consistent nutrition when school meal programs are unavailable.
Street Outreach
Our outreach team provides immediate food assistance and case management for unhoused individuals. Services include hot meals, snack packs, and connection to housing resources. Operating five days weekly in Gary and surrounding areas.
People
Victor A. Garcia
President & CEO
Victor A. Garcia leads with over 25 years of nonprofit management experience. He has expanded food distribution capacity by 40% since joining in 2015. Under his leadership, the organization moved to a modern 20,000 sq ft facility in 2018.
Questions
How can I find immediate food assistance?
Use our Pantry Locator tool to find nearby food pantries in Lake and Porter counties. Mobile Market schedules are available online with weekly distribution locations.
What programs are available for seniors?
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides monthly senior food boxes. Eligible seniors receive nutritionally balanced groceries tailored to dietary needs.
How can I volunteer?
Sign up through our website to volunteer at food sorting, distribution events, or administrative tasks. Corporate group opportunities are also available.
What donation options exist?
Donate online via credit card or schedule food donations through our website. Corporate partners can organize food drives or sponsor mobile market events.
How does the Backpack Program work?
Partner schools discreetly distribute backpacks filled with child-friendly meals every Friday. The program ensures weekend nutrition for students relying on school meal programs.
What emergency services are available?
Our emergency response includes expanded mobile distributions during crises. We maintain partnerships with local agencies to provide immediate food assistance during unexpected shortages.
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