ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- A new resource is opening its doors in South Bend to help families struggling with food insecurity.
Portage Township announced the launch of the portage pantry. The pantry follows the success of the 2024 Nourish Program, which aimed to provide better access to healthy food.
Portage Township trustee Jason Critchlow says the demand for food assistance is growing. In St. Joseph County, 40,000 people are considered food insecure, with half unable to qualify for federal assistance.
As a result, 20,000 individuals struggle to put food on the table. That’s where Portage Township is stepping in.
"And so that's really the sweet spot that we're looking to serve there is really broadening access and broadening the availability and broadening the opportunity for folks to, you know, lead a healthy and active life," Critchlow said.
Starting in April, the pantry will open to the public every Tuesday. Tuesdays were chosen because most food pantries are closed that day.
Critchlow says right now they're focused on non-perishable items, but the goal is to expand into fresh food.
"Let's just get food on the shelves. Let's get food on people's kitchens, table, kitchen tables. What we'd like to move into is an even greater space that we're actually providing a grocery shopping experience for people here. So, we won't be there right away yet, but that is the future goals for this food pantry."