It's Hunger Action Month: Here's how to help the Food Bank and needy.

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 6:16 GMT by South Bend Tribune

Helping the Food Bank of Northern Indiana During Hunger Action Month

In a timely piece published on September 5, 2025, the South Bend Tribune highlighted the Food Bank of Northern Indiana (FBNI) and outlined concrete ways for residents, businesses, and volunteers to step up during National Hunger Action Month. The article, which draws on the food bank’s own communications and resources, paints a clear picture of the organization’s mission, its current needs, and the many channels through which community members can contribute.

The Stakes: Hunger Action Month and Food Insecurity in Northern Indiana

National Hunger Action Month, observed every September, encourages individuals and organizations to raise awareness of food insecurity and to mobilize resources to fight it. The Tribune’s story underscores how the FBNI, the largest food‑distribution hub in the region, is at the frontline of this fight. According to the bank’s 2024‑25 Annual Report, which the article cites, it has served more than 1.2 million meals to families across 10 counties in Indiana. Yet, with a growing population and lingering economic uncertainty, the gap between demand and supply remains stark—especially in the wake of rising food prices and supply‑chain disruptions.

“People in our region are still facing food insecurity at a record rate,” the article quotes FBNI director Marcy Lee. “We need more help now than ever to keep the shelves stocked and the pantry volunteers equipped.”

How You Can Make a Difference

1. Donate Money

FBNI’s online giving portal (link provided in the article) accepts one‑time and recurring donations. The Tribune points out that every dollar goes directly toward purchasing nutritious foods for those in need. The bank also offers corporate matching programs; local businesses can double the impact of their employees’ contributions by offering to match donations up to a set limit.

2. Donate Food

The Food Bank runs several food‑drop programs throughout the year, with September being a peak season for in‑kind donations. The article lists priority items—canned goods (especially those labeled “ready‑to‑eat”), fresh produce (if it can be delivered quickly), and pantry staples like rice, pasta, and beans. It also mentions the “Grocery Store Food Rescue” initiative, where local supermarkets partner with the bank to divert unsold, yet still edible, items directly to the food bank instead of sending them to landfill. Readers are encouraged to contact FBNI’s volunteer coordinator, Lisa Nguyen, to schedule a pick‑up or drop‑off.

3. Volunteer Your Time

With the article noting that the food bank’s volunteer base has grown from 250 to 420 in the past two years, it stresses the importance of hands‑on help. Volunteers can assist with inventory, packaging, distribution, or even a virtual “food bank fundraiser” team that helps raise money through social media. The article provides a link to the FBNI volunteer sign‑up page, where potential helpers can choose from short‑term shifts or ongoing commitments.

4. Partner as an Organization

Business leaders reading the piece will find a section devoted to corporate partnerships. FBNI offers sponsorship tiers—“Community Partner,” “Food Bank Champion,” and “Sustainability Ally”—each with distinct benefits ranging from logo placement on marketing materials to an invitation to the annual Hunger Action Month gala. The Tribune also highlights the success story of a local chain of grocery stores that now donates a percentage of their weekly sales to the bank, ensuring a steady inflow of resources.

Beyond the Bank: Building a Community of Care

The article takes a broader view, noting that hunger is a multifaceted issue requiring systemic solutions. It quotes local government officials, such as City Councilmember Ravi Patel, who supports the bank’s expansion plans, which include a new distribution hub and a mobile pantry that will reach underserved neighborhoods. The Tribune underscores that Hunger Action Month is not only a call to donate but also a rallying cry for policy advocacy, educational outreach, and food‑justice education.

Readers are also directed to the Food Bank’s “Hunger Action Month Toolkit” (linked in the story), a resource for schools, churches, and community groups to host their own fundraising events. The toolkit includes sample flyers, social‑media graphics, and a step‑by‑step guide for setting up a food drive.

Final Takeaway

The South Bend Tribune’s article is an accessible, action‑oriented guide for anyone wanting to help the Food Bank of Northern Indiana during Hunger Action Month. By breaking down the bank’s needs and offering clear, step‑by‑step options—money, food, volunteer time, or corporate partnership—the piece empowers readers to become part of a larger movement to eliminate hunger in their region. Whether you’re a single donor, a small business, or a community leader, the article reminds us that together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of Indiana families.

For more information and to take action, the article directs you to the FBNI website (www.fbnin.org), the online donation portal, and the volunteer sign‑up page—all available with a single click from the Tribune’s story. In a season that calls for collective generosity, the Food Bank of Northern Indiana’s call to action is clear: step up, give, and help keep everyone in our community fed.