This story is part of a series on 1st Source Foundation’s grant program. Learn more about the program and the impact it has on communities across Northern Indiana here: https://laportecounty.life/article/1st-source-foundation-and-1st-source-bank-work-together-to-create-a-better-community-for-all/.
Food insecurity is a problem that, left unaddressed, has widespread impacts, so it’s important that organizations like the Salvation Army of Michigan City tackle the issue head-on with its weekend backpack program and food pantry.
“We do our backpack program in partnership with Michigan City Area Schools, and that provides children who are homeless and food insecure in the Michigan City area with enough food for six meals and two snacks throughout the weekend,” said Salvation Army Major Becky Simmons. “We deliver 450 backpacks a week, and we deliver them to five Michigan City schools.”
Recently, the Salvation Army hit an all-time high in terms of backpacks being delivered, and its food pantry is seeing an increased number of visitors as well.
“We see about 500 families every month through our pantry,” said Simmons. “About 50% of the people we see in our pantry are people on fixed incomes – people who are retired, on Social Security, or are disabled. The other 50% we see are typically families that come occasionally, and they come when they have need.”
With the increasing cost of providing food – the backpack program alone costs $100,000 – and the growing demand, the Salvation Army has turned to funders like 1st Source Foundation, who recently awarded the Salvation Army a $10,000 grant in support of fighting food insecurity.
1st Source Foundation is pleased to support the Salvation Army’s Food Pantry and Weekend Backpack Feeding Program,” said Matt Vessely, West Region President at 1st Source Bank.
“Food insecurity is a widespread problem and can affect people of all ages. It’s our privilege to support an organization that is addressing the problem head on by feeding people in need across our communities.”
Part of what makes food insecurity such an important issue is the way it begins to affect other aspects of life and tends to affect a community’s most vulnerable populations. For students, worrying about where their next meal will come from can result in unfocused attention at school, resulting in a poorer educational base and locking them out of future opportunities.
“District wide, about 75% of the students qualify for free and reduced lunch in Michigan City,” Developmental Director Jessica O’Brien said. “If you look at the elementary schools, those always have higher percentages.”
With both of the Salvation Army’s solutions, an emphasis is placed on giving meals that are nutritionally beneficial. This includes items such as fresh produce and fruit on top of non-perishables. In order to ensure that the food provided in the backpack program is balanced for health, items are hand packed.
“We have an incredible army of volunteers who come in and pack all the bags. We purchase the items individually so we can control what goes in those bags,” said O’Brien. “We can make sure the food is healthy and kid-friendly.”
The impact the Salvation Army is having in Michigan City is being recognized by the community. Recently, the not-for-profit was awarded the Community Impact of the Year award by the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce.
None of the work the Salvation Army does would be possible without the support of volunteers and organizations like 1st Source Foundation
“We were really blessed to win the Community Impact of the Year award, and we couldn't make an impact on the community without supporters like 1st Source,” Simmons said. “It's because we have a community behind us that we can continue helping others.”
“We’ve put a lot of effort into improving our programs over the past decade, and it's thanks to the funders in the community that we've been able to do that,” added O’Brien.
The Salvation Army is always looking for community support in the form of volunteers or donations. Those interested in volunteering can click here to discover opportunities to give time to the Salvation Army. For monetary or resource donations, visit the Salvation Army’s office in Michigan City at 1201 Franklin St. to speak with O’Brien about next steps.
To learn more about the Salvation Army of Michigan City and the programs it offers, visit samichigancity.org.
1st Source Foundation helps fund local projects making a significant impact on their community. To learn more, visit 1st Source Foundation’s page.
