Jim Stanton was determined to be the first person to go through the line at the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana mobile market Friday at Wicker Memorial Park in Highland.
“I knew if I came early I would get first pickings and get better stuff,” he said of his 6 a.m. arrival for the event that started at 3 p.m.
Stanton, of Hammond, was only one out of the several hundred people that showed up at the park to receive free food to feed themselves and their families. For few hours, the Food Bank brought the supermarket to the people.
“For us it’s a way for us to give back,” said Steve Beekman, executive director. “It’s just an amazing experience to be able to hand someone food with no strings attached.”
Proof of residency was the only required requirement.
This was the first of two mobile market events hosted by the Food Bank to create awareness for Hunger Action Month.
People went through a line picking out food to stuff into their bags or place into their shopping carts. They were grocery shopping without having to check out at a register.
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People were able to select from cereal, canned vegetables, ground beef, bread, rice, boxed macaroni and a variety of fruit.
“We focus on really high nutritious foods with fresh produce, fruits, vegetables and other needed items,” Beekman said. Each person received nearly 40 pounds of food, he said.
Othella Boyd, who also got in line before sunrise, said the wait was well worth it.
“Anytime you don’t have to go buy it, it’s worth it,” she said.
Beekman said he understands how critical it is to provide food to those who may need a little help in life.
“Everyone at the food bank has a passion of helping people in need,” he said. “Food is such a basic necessity that everyone needs and we know that people struggle for a variety of reasons.”
In 2016, 12.3 percent, or 15.6 million American households, were food insecure, meaning they lacked the resources to provide quality food for all household members, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
At 14.4 percent, the food insecurity in Indiana was higher than the national average, according to the most recent data available from 2015. The food insecurity rate in Lake and Porter counties were 15.3 and 11.1 percent, respectively.
The atmosphere at Wicker Park was festive not only for the people receiving food but also the volunteers.
Chavonne Anderson said it made her feel good to be able to help other people.
“I just wanted to give back,” she said.
As people continued to file into Wicker Park, Beekman said he expected to serve close to 700 people.
The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana will be host its second mobile market from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday at South Haven Christian Church in Valparaiso. People will be required to provide proof of residency to receive food.
Twitter @JavonteA