Local Food Pantries see increased need ahead of holidays

GOSHEN, Ind. -- The giving season is upon us, and local charities helping families in need during the holidays, also need a helping hand themselves as they fight food insecurity.

With inflation and high food costs, comes high demand for relief.

A demand that the Food Bank of Northern Indiana told ABC57 they are having a hard time keeping up with as well.

Right now the pantry is short on just about everything.

In St. Joe County, they have already seen a 16 percent increased need from 2023 to 2024, compared to a 10 percent increase in the six counties they serve.

Former Notre Dame Women’s basketball coach, Muffet McGraw, was out volunteering at the pantry this afternoon, and is encouraging others to do the same.

"You know it's Thanksgiving season it's a time to look back to think about how blessed we all are in this community and to come out and volunteer for the people that have less than we do. I think the food bank does a fabulous job but they can't even meet the needs of all the people so we really need to do a better job of volunteering of donating if you can if you have a little bit that you can give to the food bank, please help,” said McGraw.

The Window Inc. in Goshen, has also seen an increased need, is also in need of all donations including Pasta, Cereal, and Soups.

"These people often they have a place to stay. They have some stability in their lives, but food cost rising just really challenges. A lot of people's budgets, even if they were already strong and so as a community, what is our response to that we try to fill that gap and fill those needs,” said Naomi Leary the Executive Director at the nonprofit.

The Food Bank of Northern Indiana said traditional Thanksgiving sides are also appreciated, as it works to put 10,000 turkeys on local tables this Thanksgiving.

“This is a time of year, especially if you've had a good year feel good and get back however, you can either by donating financially or donating your time to our organization or really any organization,” said Marijo Martinec, the Executive Director and CEO.

To get involved, Visit.