Free food distributions are scheduled across Northwest Indiana throughout April, offering groceries to residents in Gary and surrounding communities as many families continue to stretch their food budgets.
Roughly 1 in 7 Northwest Indiana residents are considered food insecure, meaning they do not have consistent access to enough food. Even for those receiving assistance, support often does not last the full month, making local food pantries and mobile markets a critical source of relief.
In Gary, where about 38% of residents rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, the need is especially pronounced. Local churches, nonprofits, and agencies say demand for free food remains steady as costs for everyday essentials continue to strain household budgets.
Below is the April schedule for the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana’s mobile market and other distributions where residents can receive free groceries.
Friday, April 3
Faith Community Center
1351 W. 11th Ave., Gary
10 a.m.
St. Mark AME Zion Church
4200 Alder St., East Chicago
11 a.m.
Saturday, April 4
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
6490 Broadway, Merrillville
9 a.m.
Monday, April 6
The Aliveness Project of Northwest Indiana
5261 Hohman Ave., Hammond
10 a.m.*
Tuesday, April 7
United Pentecostal Church
2865 Willowdale Road, Portage
1 p.m.
Wednesday, April 8
Midwest Training & Ice Center
10600 White Oak Ave., Dyer
Noon
The Aliveness Project of Northwest Indiana
5261 Hohman Ave., Hammond
10 a.m.*
Thursday, April 9
Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center
1900 W. 41st Ave., Gary
8 a.m.
UChicago Medicine
10855 Virginia St., Crown Point
3 p.m.
Friday, April 10
Our Lady of Grace Church
3025 Highway Ave., Highland
10 a.m.
Saturday, April 11
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
6490 Broadway, Merrillville
9 a.m.
Monday, April 13
The Aliveness Project of Northwest Indiana
5261 Hohman Ave, Hammond
10 a.m.*
Tuesday, April 14
Valparaiso Family YMCA
1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive, Valparaiso
1 p.m.
Wednesday, April 15
The Aliveness Project of Northwest Indiana
5261 Hohman Ave, Hammond
10 a.m.*
Living Hope Church
9000 W. Taft St., Merrillville
3 p.m.
Thursday, April 16
Portage High School, Door G
6450 U.S. 6, Portage
4 p.m.
Friday, April 17
Kouts Christian Church
208 S. Poland Ave., Kouts
10 a.m.
Saturday, April 18
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
6490 Broadway, Merrillville
9 a.m.
Monday, April 20
The Aliveness Project of Northwest Indiana
5261 Hohman Ave., Hammond
10 a.m.*
Tuesday, April 21
West Side Leadership Academy, Door P
900 Gerry St., Gary
10 a.m.
Wednesday, April 22
Boys &Girls Club
723 Long Run Road, South Haven
10 a.m.
The Aliveness Project of Northwest Indiana
5261 Hohman Ave., Hammond
10 a.m.*
Thursday, April 23
Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center
1900 W. 41st Ave., Gary
8 a.m.
Griffith Lutheran Church
1000 N. Broad St., Griffith
4 p.m.
Friday, April 24
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
6490 Broadway, Merrillville
4 p.m.
Tuesday, April 28
Faith Bible Church
5200 Central Ave., Portage
10 a.m.
Wednesday, April 29
The Aliveness Project of Northwest Indiana
5261 Hohman Ave., Hammond
10 a.m.*
The Cross Church
3616 Elm St., East Chicago
2 p.m.
Thursday, April 30
St. Teresa of Avila
1604 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso
Noon
* Gary Residents Only
