Food Bank of Northwest Indiana Expands Capacity with New Facility

The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana is significantly increasing its ability to rescue food from waste by acquiring a new facility. This 15,000-square-foot building, located on Broadway next to its existing headquarters, will allow the food bank to more than triple its capacity. The $2 million investment increases pallet space from 204 to 750, according to President and CEO Victor Garcia. The “Bread Breaking Ceremony” on August 27, 2026, marked the acquisition of the new facility at 6510 Broadway in Merrillville.

Owning the adjacent building not only expands current operations but also provides potential for further growth as needed. The food bank moved a record 11.4 million pounds of food last year, though the regional demand is closer to 20 million pounds. Garcia acknowledged the help of Strack & Van Til President & CEO Jeff Strack, a board member of the Food Bank, who played a key role in securing the cold storage warehouse.

“Fundraising to cover the $2 million cost was substantial,” Garcia noted. “As a grocery retailer, we understand the importance of cold storage,” Van Til said. Also present at the ceremony were Feeding America CEO Denis McDonough and U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland. McDonough praised Garcia’s innovation-driven approach in meeting community needs, especially as federal food assistance is reduced.

The recent August derecho highlighted the importance of robust infrastructure. “Infrastructure like this provides more reach and resilience,” McDonough said, emphasizing the need for more dairy, protein, and frozen foods. Strack & Van Til CEO Jeff Strack reiterated the importance of the facility in addressing hunger.

The new cold storage will allow the conversion of existing freezer space into refrigerated storage, enabling the food bank to improve its offerings. “This gives me confidence that we can not only keep feeding people but end hunger,” McDonough stated. U.S. Rep. Mrvan emphasized community strength in overcoming challenges and pledged to support federal food assistance funding.

Garcia expressed gratitude towards numerous pantries, schools, and organizations fighting hunger on the front lines. “Food brings people together, creating community and strengthening relationships,” he said. Strack remarked, “When we break bread, we affirm our shared responsibility to care for one another.” Food Bank board President Bob Jacobs concluded, “Today we celebrate progress. Tomorrow, we return to work.”