In Gary and across Northwest Indiana, cost and access remain two of the biggest obstacles standing between families and a healthy meal. Nearly 1 in 7 residents in the region experience food insecurity, according to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.
Amid recent federal shutdown-related disruptions to nutrition programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the federal supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children, known as WIC, local markets and pantries are stepping up to make sure families can still put healthy food on the table.
The food distribution schedule for the Mobile Market in December is below, along with a map of the locations. As part of some December distributions, select sites will also offer holiday hams to families while supplies last.
Friday, Dec. 5
Our Lady of Grace
3025 Highway Ave., Highland
10 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
6490 Broadway, Merrillville
9 a.m.
Monday, Dec. 8
Jubilee Worship Center
415 N. Hobart Road, Hobart
Noon
Tuesday, Dec. 9
Valparaiso Family YMCA
1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive, Valparaiso
1 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 11
Whiting Lakefront Park
1500 Park Road, Whiting
11 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
6490 Broadway, Merrillville
9 a.m.*
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Temple of Deliverance in Christ
4929 W. 15th Ave., Gary
Noon
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Living Hope Church
9000 W. Taft St., Merrillville
3 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 18
Portage High School (Door G)
6270 U.S. Highway 6, Portage
4 p.m.*
Friday, Dec. 19
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
6490 Broadway, Merrillville
4 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 22
Iglesia Shalom
4334 Tod Ave., East Chicago
11 a.m.*
*: Holiday hams will be available at select distributions. First-come, first-served, while supplies last.