January brings added financial pressure for households across Gary and Northwest Indiana, as heating costs rise and grocery prices remain elevated.
Food insecurity continues to affect a significant share of people in the region. Nearly 1 in 7 residents in the region experience food insecurity, according to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. Late last year, some families also experienced temporary disruptions tied to the federal government shutdown, which impacted the timing of funding for nutrition programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program and the federal program for women, infants, and children, known as WIC.
In response, food banks and community partners across Northwest Indiana continue to host food distributions aimed at helping residents access groceries.
Below is the January schedule for the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana’s Mobile Market and other food distributions where residents can receive free groceries.
Friday, Jan. 9
Our Lady of Grace
3025 Highway Ave., Highland
10 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 10
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
6490 Broadway, Merrillville
9 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 13
Midwest Training & Ice Center
10600 White Oak Ave., Dyer
Noon
Thursday, Jan. 15
Portage High School (Door G)
6450 U.S. Highway 6, Portage
4 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 16
Kouts Christian Church
208 S. Poland Ave., Kouts
10 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 17
St. Ann Catholic Church
6025 W. 25th Ave., Gary
7 to 9 a.m.
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
6490 Broadway, Merrillville
9 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
St. Helen’s Church
302 N. Madison St., Hebron
11 a.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Pines Elementary School
1660 N. County Line Road, Michigan City
4 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 22
Griffith Lutheran Church
1000 N. Broad St., Griffith
4 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 23
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
6490 Broadway, Merrillville
4 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 27
East Chicago Lighthouse Charter School
3916 Pulaski St., East Chicago
Noon
Wednesday, Jan. 28
Anthem Church
6947 Hohman Ave., Hammond
2 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 29
St. Teresa of Avila
1604 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso
Noon
Friday, Jan. 30
Ridge View Elementary School
3333 W. Old Ridge Road, Hobart
10 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 31
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
6490 Broadway, Merrillville
4 p.m.