ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The Portage Township Trustee Office announced they're opening a brand-new food pantry, Portage Pantry, as part of their goal of providing access and education for nutritious food for low- and middle-income families.

Portage Pantry will be located in downtown South Bend.

“We are responding to a growing need in in the community and not just with low-income residents. Middle class families are really feeling the pinch as well. We want to ensure no one goes to bed hungry in our community,” said Portage Township Trustee Jason Critchlow.

Officials say the long-term vision for the pantry is to grow to offer a wide selection of nutritious food with expanded hours of access in the area.

The pantry will be stocked with a combination of donations, community partnerships, and the Northern Indiana Food Bank, according to officials.

The Portage Township Trustee Office is asking the community's help to fully stock Portage Pantry by the end of March, to start the pantry off on the right foot.

Throughout March, donations can be dropped off at 340 Columbia St. in South Bend from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday or 8 a.m. to noon on Fridays.

The pantry accepts both food and non-food items:

• Pasta Rice
• Canned vegetables
• Peanut butter
• Canned/dried fruit
• Canned tuna fish or chicken in water Dried/canned beans
• Applesauce
• Oatmeal, grits, and hot breakfast cereals
• Diapers Feminine hygiene products
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste Deodorant
• Shaving products
• Baby wipes