In Gary and Northwest Indiana, the struggle to put healthy food on the table often comes down to cost and access. A weekly mobile market is trying to change that, bringing fresh produce and protein to neighborhoods where nutritious options are often out of reach.
As federal programs like SNAP and WIC face uncertainty, local markets and pantries are stepping up to make sure families are fed.
Nearly 1 in 7 Northwest Indiana residents experience food insecurity, according to Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. To help meet this need, the nonprofit, which serves Lake and Porter counties, has provided critical food assistance to families since 1982. In addition to several pantries throughout the region and food lockers, the food bank also brings its mobile market to communities each month, offering free fruits, vegetables and proteins to residents.
The food distribution schedule for the Mobile Market for November is below, as well as a map of the locations. Supplies are limited, so arriving early is recommended.
Saturday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m.
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, 6490 Broadway, Merrillville
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 1 p.m.
United Pentecostal Church, 2865 Willowdale Road, Portage
Wednesday, Nov. 5, Noon
East Chicago Lighthouse Charter School, 3916 Pulaski St., East Chicago
Thursday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m.
Faith Bible Church, 15327 Cline Ave., Lowell
Friday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.
Our Lady of Grace, 3025 Highway Ave., Highland
Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m.
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, 6490 Broadway, Merrillville
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 1 p.m.
Valparaiso Family YMCA, 1201 Cumberland Drive, Valparaiso
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 11 a.m.
Midwest Training and Ice Center, 10600 White Oak Ave., Dyer
Thursday, Nov. 13, 11 a.m.
Tri City Plaza, 4450 W 5th Ave., Gary
Friday, Nov. 14, Noon*
Lowell Church of Christ, 299 N Burr St., Lowell
Saturday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m.*
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, 6490 Broadway, Merrillville
Monday, Nov. 17, 3 p.m.*
Franciscan Health, 5517 Hohman Ave., Hammond
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 3 p.m.*
Lake County Fairgrounds – Gate 2, 889 S Court St., Crown Point
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 3 p.m.*
Living Hope Church, 9000 W Taft St., Merrillville
Thursday, Nov. 20, 4 p.m.*
Portage High School Door G, 6270 US Highway 6, Portage
Friday, Nov. 21, 3 p.m.*
Allen Law Group, 501 Allen Court, Chesterton
Saturday, Nov. 22, 9 a.m.*
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, 6490 Broadway, Merrillville
Monday, Nov. 24, 3 p.m.*
St. Timothy Church, 1600 W 25th Ave., Gary
Tuesday, Nov. 25, Noon
Hudson & Campbell Fitness Center, 455 Massachusetts St., Gary
Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2 p.m.*
The Cross Church, 3616 Elm St., East Chicago
*: Holiday turkeys will be available at select distributions. First-come, first-served, while supplies last.