As summer rapidly approaches, organizations across Northwest Indiana are scheduling free food distributions throughout May to offer families some relief from rising food prices.
In Northwest Indiana, roughly 1 in 7 residents and 1 in 5 children are considered food insecure, meaning they lack consistent access to enough nutritious food. In Gary, almost 40% of the residents rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
As those numbers remain high amid rising food and inflation costs, local churches, nonprofits, and other agencies across the region are working to combat food insecurity. Below is the May schedule for the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana’s mobile market, Calumet Township, and other food distributions where residents can receive free groceries.
Friday, May 8
Our Lady of Grace Church
3025 Highway Ave., Highland
10 a.m.
Saturday, May 9
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
6490 Broadway, Merrillville
9 a.m.
Monday, May 11
The Aliveness Project of Northwest Indiana
5261 Hohman Ave, Hammond
10 a.m.*
Tuesday, May 12
Valparaiso Family YMCA
1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive, Valparaiso
1 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13
The Aliveness Project of Northwest Indiana
5261 Hohman Ave., Hammond
10 a.m.*
Pine Elementary School, Door P
1660 N. County Line Road, Michigan City
4 p.m.
Thursday, May 14
Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center
1900 W. 41st Ave., Gary
8 a.m.
Portage High School, Door G
6450 U.S. 6, Portage
4 p.m.
Friday, May 15
Kouts Christian Church
208 S. Poland Ave., Kouts
10 a.m.
Saturday, May 16
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
6490 Broadway, Merrillville
9 a.m.
Monday, May 18
The Aliveness Project of Northwest Indiana
5261 Hohman Ave., Hammond
10 a.m.*
Tuesday, May 19
Unity Outreach Ministries
1441 Delaware St., Gary
Noon
Wednesday, May 20
Living Hope Church
9000 W. Taft St., Merrillville
3 p.m.
The Aliveness Project of Northwest Indiana
5261 Hohman Ave., Hammond
10 a.m.*
Thursday, May 21
Ridge United Methodist Church
8607 Columbia Ave., Munster
1 p.m.
Friday, May 22
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
6490 Broadway, Merrillville
4 p.m.
Tuesday, May 26
First Baptist Church
4911 McCook Ave., East Chicago
11 a.m.
Wednesday, May 27
The Aliveness Project of Northwest Indiana
5261 Hohman Ave., Hammond
10 a.m.*
Northgate Church
2820 165th St., Hammond
4 p.m.
Thursday, May 28
Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center
1900 W. 41st Ave., Gary
8 a.m.
St. Teresa of Avila
1604 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso
Noon
Friday, May 29
Lighthouse Charter School
1775 W. 41st Ave., Gary
11 a.m.
Saturday, May 30
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana
6490 Broadway, Merrillville
9 a.m.
* Gary Residents Only
