Food Bank of Northern Indiana gears up for summer 2026

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- As we head into the summer months, the Food Bank of Northern Indiana is gearing up to meet families’ needs in Michiana, especially as kids are out of school.

Marijo Martinec, the executive director at the food bank, says they see an increased need during the summertime. She says they will likely see families who don’t typically come to food pantries during the summer, until school starts up again.

“We don't have a summer backpack program, but we do try to amp up our mobile food distributions that anyone can attend, and we oftentimes try to hold those at school locations,” said Martinec.

Two mobile food distributions are happening this week:

Thursday, May 28 – La Porte County

• 11:00 am–12:30 pm CT (while supplies last)
• Salvation Army – 3240 Monroe St., La Porte, IN 46350

Friday, May 29. - St. Joseph County

• 1:30 pm–3:30 pm ET (while supplies last)
• Emmons Elementary School - 1306 S. Main St., Mishawaka, IN 46545

Martinec says the need in St. Joseph County was up 11 percent January through April of this year, but down 3 percent across all their six-county service area in that same time.

Head to the FBNI website for information on mobile food distributions, food pantry hours, donation information, or sign up to volunteer.