Nonprofits Collaborate to Pack 10,000 Boxes of Food

(photo courtesy of The Salvation Army)

The Salvation Army and Midwest Food Bank have announced plans to pack 10,000 boxes of food for Hoosier families in need. Lucas Oil Stadium is collaborating on the project and will lend space for food packing and warehousing.

The nonprofits say their volunteers will work alongside staff from Lucas Oil Stadium as well as members of the Indiana National Guard. Volunteers will fill boxes with shelf-stable food items to help supplement struggling households amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re hearing from our Salvation Army units across the state that food is the number one need in their community,” said Major Bob Webster, divisional commander for The Salvation Army Indiana Division. “Thanks to this great space at Lucas Oil and the bulk purchasing power of Midwest Food Bank, we are now set up to be the epicenter for food distribution to these Salvation Army food pantries and feeding programs throughout Indiana.”

Those working in the service and recreation industries have been greatly affected with loss of income due to restaurant, hotel, and entertainment venue closures, and the nonprofits say the demand on food pantries across Indiana has grown as more people turn to organizations like theirs for help.

“For many of these families, this is the first time they’ve ever had to ask for help,” said Webster.

The Salvation Army says it has had to close its community centers and halt programming but is continuing its social services, offering financial assistance with rent or utility bills. The boxes packed at Lucas Oil Stadium will help sustain its food programs efforts throughout the next several weeks.

“As The Salvation Army’s first responder across the United States, Midwest is able to procure and assemble family food boxes for rapid deployment, often within 24 hours of their call. These family food boxes contain enough shelf-stable food for a family of four for four to five days,” said John Whitaker, executive director of Midwest Food Bank. “We are very thankful to be part of a community where collaboration between relief organizations is the standard practice, especially in times like these. This is just another great example of Hoosier humanitarians doing what they do best.”

More information can be found by clicking here.