'If this moment doesn't awaken your soul, I don't know what will'

Congressman Frank J. Mrvan wants Northwest Indiana residents struggling to put food on their tables amid the federal government shutdown, and the interruption of the federal food assistance program, to know they're not alone.

The Highland Democrat declared Monday the Region is united in supporting its neighbors in need and he called on everyone living in Northwest Indiana to do what they can to ensure working families, children, seniors and the disabled don't go hungry during the holiday season.

"If this moment doesn't awaken your soul, I don't know what will. The fact of the matter is people are going hungry because our government is shut down. I call upon Speaker Johnson to bring us back so that we can end the pain, the intentional pain, that is going on with families who are choosing between heat, medication and food. We must prioritize the most vulnerable populations and make sure they have access to food," Mrvan said.

To that end, Mrvan helped a dozen volunteers at the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana pack bundles of canned food and other shelf staples Monday morning for distribution at upcoming mobile market events across Lake and Porter counties after the food bank provided food to a whopping 738 households at Saturday's mobile market in Merrillville.

"The residents of Northwest Indiana deserve, deserve, to be prioritized," Mrvan said. "You have a fighter and an ally that will do everything I can to make sure that our government reopens."

The federal government shut down Oct. 1 after the Republican-controlled Congress and Republican President Donald Trump failed to enact the required spending legislation to maintain most public services, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that delivers $112 million in monthly food assistance to some 600,000 Hoosiers, or about 8% of Indiana's population.

Victor Garcia, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, said the food bank can't possibly replace SNAP. He said for every meal the food bank provides to a Region resident, SNAP pays for nine meals.

"With delays and uncertainties in SNAP benefits, families who already live paycheck to paycheck are being forced to make difficult decisions. Parents are skipping meals so their children can eat. Seniors are stretching limited resources to cover both groceries and medicine. The truth is hunger doesn't take a break — especially not during a government shutdown," Garcia said.

That's one reason why the food bank is expanding its services to try to meet the need and it's asking Region residents who can afford to do so to make a donation on its foodbanknwi.org website to the Northwest Indiana Emergency Response Fund.

Individuals needing food assistance also can visit the website to find food pantries, mobile market distribution sites and other resources for combating hunger.

"Every dollar you give helps us deliver more mobile distributions, stock more shelves, and bring hope to more families right here in Northwest Indiana," Garcia said. "Together, we can sure ensure that even in uncertain times we can stand strong for our community and that no one will go hungry."

Customers at Strack & Van Til Food Market also can support the effort through Jan. 4 by choosing to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with the extra change going to the food bank's emergency fund.

"We appreciate the generosity of those who wish to help, and encourage our community — individuals, families and other businesses — to join us in supporting local hunger relief efforts through these trusted partners. Together we can make a meaningful difference for families experiencing hardship during the holidays and beyond," said Jeff Strack, president and CEO of Strack & Van Til.

Garcia said the food bank already was on pace for a record year even before the SNAP interruption. So anyone who rounds up at Strack & Van Til or donates on the website truly is helping fellow Hoosiers in need.

"That small change adds up to a very big impact, helping us put fresh, delicious food directly in the hands of those who need it most," Garcia said.