STATEHOUSE (April 23, 2021) – State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Hal Slager (R-Schererville) recently volunteered at the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana to help distribute food items to local families in need.
Olthoff and Slager, along with a bi-partisan group of state lawmakers, are raising hunger awareness as part of a partnership between the Indiana House of Representatives and Feeding Indiana's Hungry, the state's food bank association. This year, the House teamed up with the association and its 11-member food banks to collect and distribute non-perishable food items.
In total, House lawmakers raised over $7,500 and collected more than 1,100 donated items at the Statehouse this session with help from contributions from Meijer, Kroger, Lowe's and the Indiana Retail Council. Olthoff said many legislators across the state are also volunteering this month with their regional food bank to help make a difference and raise awareness.
"Local food banks like the one here in Northwest Indiana do a phenomenal job collecting and providing necessary items for Hoosiers in need," Olthoff said. "Thankfully, with the help from food banks and Feeding Indiana's Hungry, meals are being donated in large numbers to support struggling individuals and families throughout the state."
The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana serves Lake and Porter counties, and said their most needed items include macaroni and cheese, canned proteins and peanut butter. Hoosiers who are food insecure or would like to make a donation or volunteer, can learn more by visiting foodbanknwi.org.
"If you have any free time throughout the week or extra food in your pantry, volunteering at a nearby food bank or donating canned goods and other non-perishable items are great ways to help your community," Slager said.
"As the economic impact of the pandemic wears on, too many family budgets are being stretched beyond their limits," said Victor Garcia, president of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. "A growing number of Indiana children are at risk for hunger in 2021, as Feeding America has estimated as many as 1 in 4 children would experience food insecurity. We thank our donors, partners and volunteers for providing the resources needed to help support our friends and neighbors in Northwest Indiana. The food bank thanks our local elected officials for continuing to support our efforts, and we are thankful for the time Reps. Olthoff and Slager spent with us distributing food to those in need in our community."
In 2020 alone, Feeding Indiana's Hungry distributed 150 million pounds of food to member banks and food pantries, which is equivalent to 125 million individual meals. To find more information on how to donate, volunteer or receive support and resources, visit FeedingIndianasHungry.org.
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State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes a portion of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes portions of Lake County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Photo Caption: State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) (right) and Hal Slager (R-Schererville) (left) help distribute food items to local families in need Saturday, April 10, 2021, at the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. This year, the Indiana House of Representatives teamed up with Feeding Indiana's Hungry to raise hunger awareness and collect and distribute non-perishable food items.
