Food Bank of Northern Indiana switching to drive-thru service

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Food Bank of Northern Indiana is utilizing a drive-thru technique to provide service to families in need. The change was made in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

People who are seeking assistance typically enter the pantry and request supplies, but with the recent stay-at-home order issued by Governor Eric Holcomb, the Food Bank has set up a drive-thru service instead.

Marijo Martinec, the Executive Director of the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, says that they want to do everything they can to protect the community.

“We need to do our part in flattening the curve,” Martinec said. “So we think this model will get people food driving thru. I think everybody is anxious for us to get back to whatever our normal is.”

If you are in need of assistance from the Food Bank, all you need to do is pull up with your vehicle, answer a few standard questions, open the truck to your car and the food/supplies will be loaded into it.

Everything is pre-boxed and pre-bagged.

Martinec also said that they want to provide service to as many people as they can because of the economic uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 health crisis.

“There are people now that don’t have a job and they have no money coming in,” Martyinec said. “We want people to know, you know it’s hard to make that decision – there is no judgement here. You need the help and we’re here to help and that’s what we do best.”

The Food Bank is also asking for more volunteers and more food donations at this time. They say anything will go a long way in helping the community.

For more information on how you can volunteer or request service, visit their website.