Food Bank volunteer loading car with groceries

Nearly 400 Veteran families receive groceries and access to benefits

Contributed By:The 411 News

In partnership with the Adam Benjamin Jr. VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic and the Porter County Veteran’s Service Office, the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana provided nearly 400 Veteran families with 50-plus pounds of groceries this week during two special Mobile Market food distributions. Veterans also received access to VA benefits, flu shots, COVID vaccinations and booster shots.

“These two food distributions are just the beginning of our commitment to providing food and support to veterans”, said Victor A. Garcia, President & CEO of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. “Partnerships with these and other veterans’ service organizations will help bridge gaps and address critical needs among individuals who have served our country”, said Garcia.

The Food Bank hosted the food distributions at the recommendation of Congressman Frank Mrvan, himself a veteran, and has also been a long-time advocate for veteran’s rights. Mrvan attended both events, volunteering to help load veterans’ cars with groceries and personally greeting as many veterans as possible. Mrvan recognizes the struggles of vulnerable individuals in the Region and uses his platform to address these issues.

Also, onsite volunteering and interaction with the veterans at the Lake County food distribution was the Director of the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Rick A. Ament and Chief of Staff, Dr. Sarah Unterman. In addition to walking car to car showing appreciation, Ament and Unterman also spent time helping load veterans’ cars with groceries.

The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana will continue addressing food insecurity among veterans with monthly food distributions beginning January 2022. “Special distributions like these require strong partnerships and funding streams. Now that we understand how great the need is, we are actively pursuing ways to continue supporting our veterans”, said Garcia.

Veterans or anyone in need of food assistance can visit foodbanknwi.org.


Congressman Frank Mrvan loading car with groceries

Story Posted:11/11/2021