In our ongoing series highlighting the partnerships that make a difference in the lives of our shelter guests, today we’re shining a spotlight on a collaboration that addresses one of the most fundamental human needs: food. Our partnership with the Food Rescue Initiative (FRI), operating under the umbrella of Citizens Concerned for the Homeless (CCH), has been instrumental in combating food insecurity in our community.
CCH launched the Food Rescue Initiative to address a critical need in our area. With a Food Insecurity Rate higher than both state and national averages, our community faced a significant challenge. Food insecurity, which refers to the struggle many families face in putting food on the table, is a pervasive issue that affects not just those experiencing homelessness but many working families as well.
The concept of Food Rescue is beautifully simple yet incredibly impactful. Under the Feeding America national program, stores donate food to organizations like CCH when items approach their expiration or ‘freeze by’ date. This not only provides much-needed nutrition to those in need but also reduces food waste – a win-win for our community and the environment.
CCH’s commitment to our community made them the ideal organization to not only operate this program but also to organize a network of recipients for maximum impact. The Food Rescue Initiative officially began on January 1, 2019, with a pilot program. Thanks to funding from the Health Foundation of LaPorte and the Duneland Health Council, CCH was able to purchase its own refrigeration truck, enhancing their capacity to collect and distribute food.
The impact of this initiative has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, CCH procured and distributed over two million pounds of food, all free to the community. This monumental task is accomplished through CCH’s extensive delivery network, which includes 34 soup kitchens, food pantries, and shelters – including our own kitchen – across seven cities throughout LaPorte County.
What started with Ed Merrion driving and Keys of Hope volunteers working on the truck has now grown into an operation with a full-time driver and Keys to Hope guests being employed to work on the truck, demonstrating the initiative’s growth and impact.
For our shelter, this partnership has been transformative. The regular deliveries from the Food Rescue Initiative ensure that we can provide nutritious meals to our guests, contributing significantly to their overall health and well-being. It’s not just about filling stomachs; it’s about providing the nutrition necessary for our guests to have the energy and health to tackle the challenges they face.
The impact of the Food Rescue Initiative extends far beyond the immediate alleviation of hunger. By increasing access and availability to a basic need like food, the initiative contributes to an overall improvement in the quality of life for many in our community. For our shelter guests, consistent access to nutritious food provides a foundation of stability that can be crucial in their journey towards independence.
Our partnership with the Food Rescue Initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when community organizations come together with a shared goal. It demonstrates that by addressing fundamental needs like food security, we can create a ripple effect of positive change in our community.
As we continue to work alongside the Food Rescue Initiative and CCH, we’re not just feeding people – we’re nourishing hope, fostering community, and building a stronger, healthier future for all.
