More than 300 turkeys distributed in South Bend through mobile food bank

SOUTH BEND, Ind.— More than 300 turkeys were handed out this afternoon with the help of the City of South Bend’s Emergency Food Distribution through the Food Bank of Northern Indiana and its mobile food distributions, all free of charge.

Gratitude filled the former Kroger parking lot as volunteers worked through the cold to keep the drive-up line moving with ease despite the strong breeze. With increased demand this year, every mobile distribution center this month has completely cleared out, with dozens lining up.

Among those helping out today were 9-year-old Tess and 11-year-old Leo, who spent their day off beginning what they hope will become a new holiday tradition.

“My gloves kept me warm. This jacket is pretty good. I wasn’t cold at all. Uh, I am freezing. My feet feel cold. And yeah, I think it was worth it though,” the siblings said.

Another volunteer joined in after originally stopping by for a meal and chose to stay to pay it forward.

Mobile Food Distributions will continue through the month of December:

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 - La Porte County
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT *While supplies last.
Where: Marquette Mall, 201 W. U.S. 20, Michigan City, IN 46360
*This distribution is sponsored by Citizens Concerned for the Homeless and will serve 375 households.

Thursday, December 4, 2025 – Starke County
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT *While supplies last.
Where: James R. Hardesty Hamlet/Davis Township Fire Station and Community Center, 15 W. Indiana Ave., Hamlet, IN 46532
*This distribution is sponsored by the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund through the Starke County Community Foundation and the Starke County Health Department and will serve 200 households.

Friday, December 5, 2025 - Elkhart County
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. ET *While supplies last.
Where: Clayton Homes, 66700 St. Rd. 19, Wakarusa, IN 46573
*This distribution is sponsored by Clayton Homes and will serve 200 households.

Friday, December 12, 2025 – Starke County
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT *While supplies last.
Where: San Pierre Fire Department, 102 Fisher St., San Pierre, IN 46374
*This distribution is sponsored by the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund through the Starke County Community Foundation and the Starke County Health Department and will serve 200 households.

Monday, December 15, 2025 - Starke County
9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. CT *While supplies last.
Where: Knox United Methodist Church, 201 S. Shield St., Knox, IN 46534
*This distribution is sponsored by USDA and will serve 150 households.

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 - La Porte County
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT *While supplies last.
Where: Prairie Meadow Park, 199 Flynn Rd., Westville, IN 46391
*This distribution is sponsored by Citizens Concerned for the Homeless and will serve 150 households.

Friday, December 19, 2025 – St. Joseph County
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. ET *While supplies last.
Where: Goodwill Industries, 1805 W. Western Ave., South Bend, IN 46619
*This distribution is sponsored by St. Joseph Health System and will serve 250 households.

Monday, December 22, 2025 – Kosciusko County
10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET *While supplies last.
Where: Mentone United Methodist Church, 116 E. Main St., Mentone, IN 46539
*This distribution is sponsored by USDA and will serve 150 households.

December 30, 2025 – Starke County
9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. CT *While supplies last.
Where: Heartland Church, 6020 S. 300 E., Knox, IN 46534
*This distribution is sponsored by United Way of Northwest Indiana and will serve 200 households.