The Mobile Market, an initiative of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, is dedicated to providing essential food assistance to residents of East Chicago, IN, and the surrounding communities. Our mission is to ensure access to nutritious grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein by bringing emergency food directly to those in need. Each week, the Mobile Market travels to a different location, creating a vital resource for families facing food insecurity. Our distributions operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage individuals to arrive with proof of Indiana residency and bags or boxes for easy transport. For everyone’s safety, all food distributions are currently drive-through only, promoting convenience while ensuring health protocols are met. Join us in our commitment to combating hunger and supporting our local community through accessible and healthy food options.

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) in East Chicago, IN, is dedicated to enhancing the health and nutrition of seniors aged 60 and older by providing essential monthly groceries. Each carefully packed grocery box is designed to meet basic nutritional needs and includes items like canned fruits, vegetables, peanut butter, beans, cereal, pasta, bottled juice, and canned meats such as chicken and tuna. Our mission is to ensure that seniors have access to emergency food assistance that nourishes both body and spirit, offering a reliable source of wholesome food to support their well-being. Participants or their designated proxies can easily pick up their groceries, ensuring a convenient and supportive experience tailored to the needs of older adults in our community.

The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) in East Chicago, IN, is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of low-income households, including the elderly and Native American families, by providing essential food assistance and nutrition education. This vital program offers access to USDA foods for those living on or near Indian reservations, ensuring that community members receive the nutritious options they need. To benefit from our services, applicants must meet specific monthly income criteria, and we encourage potential participants to reach out to their Indian Tribal Organization, State Distributing Agency, or the local FNS regional office for guidance and support in applying.

The Dysphagia Outreach Project Food Bank in East Chicago, IN, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for low-income individuals living with dysphagia by offering essential resources such as food thickeners, pre-modified foods, therapy tools, oral care supplies, and adaptive equipment. We understand the unique challenges faced by those with swallowing difficulties and strive to ensure that everyone has access to the nutrition and support they need to thrive. Through our compassionate and practical services, we aim to empower individuals and families in our community to overcome barriers to proper nourishment and care.

Based in East Chicago, IN, Financial Assistance for Families Working in the Restaurant Industry is dedicated to uplifting food and beverage service employees facing financial challenges due to medical emergencies or illnesses. Our mission is to provide critical support through financial assistance, catering to essential needs such as rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, medical expenses, and childcare costs. We understand the hardships that families experience, and our program aims to alleviate these pressures by covering costs associated with therapy, hospital visits, and other significant expenses. While we are committed to supporting families, former grant recipients may reapply for assistance after a 12-month interval, with a lifetime cap of $7,500 in support. We are here to help those who serve our communities, ensuring that those in the restaurant industry have the resources they need during challenging times.

The Nutrition Education Program, based in East Chicago, IN, is dedicated to empowering individuals and families to enhance their nutrition through accessible education and resources. As part of Purdue University's initiative, we provide direct nutrition education to help community members make informed food choices and improve their overall health. Our Community Wellness Coordinators are actively engaged in promoting policy, system, and environment changes that foster wellness within the community. We strive to make a positive impact on dietary choices and health outcomes, ensuring that everyone has access to the knowledge they need for a healthier lifestyle.

The Selma Schimmel Vital Grant program is dedicated to providing essential financial assistance to individuals in East Chicago, IN, who are experiencing significant hardships due to chronic, terminal, or rare conditions, including cancer, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s Disease. Our mission is to offer support through utility assistance and grocery assistance, ensuring that individuals and families can focus on their health without the added burden of financial stress. We understand the urgent needs of our community and are committed to alleviating some of the challenges faced during difficult times. For those in need, we also connect with Vital Options International (VOI) and other partner organizations to help identify additional resources and support. Together, we strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.

Critical Financial Assistance, based in East Chicago, IN, is dedicated to supporting military families facing financial hardships. We provide a range of vital services, including food assistance, auto and home repairs, vision care, and essential items for daily living. Our programs also offer travel and transportation aid, moving assistance, and rent-free transitional housing specifically designed for wounded veterans and their families. By focusing on immediate needs such as auto payments, medical services, and utility support, we strive to ease the burden on those who’ve served our country. Eligible families can initiate the process by creating an account in our online portal, where they can submit their application for financial aid. As demand for our services is high, we appreciate your patience during the processing of applications.

At the Financial Resource Center in East Chicago, IN, we understand that a cancer diagnosis can lead to overwhelming financial challenges, forcing families to make impossible choices between essential needs like rent, medical copays, groceries, and utility bills. Our mission is to ensure that no family has to face these burdens alone, enabling them to focus on what truly matters—healing. By providing critical financial assistance, we strive to support families during their cancer journey, ensuring they have the resources necessary to maintain a stable home environment and access vital medications. With a commitment to improving health outcomes, we believe that when financial support is integrated into cancer care, it can make a transformative difference for families across the country.

Supportive Services for BIPOC Sex Workers, located in East Chicago, IN, is a vibrant collective dedicated to empowering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the sex work community. Led by performers and sex workers themselves, our organization prioritizes inclusivity and places sex workers at the forefront of leadership and decision-making. We offer vital labor advocacy, financial assistance, and work to enhance access to essential mental health, medical, and legal services specifically tailored for People of the Global Majority engaged in sex trades. Our mission is to create a supportive environment that addresses the unique challenges faced by BIPOC sex workers and advocates for their rights and well-being.

At Financial Assistance Funds in East Chicago, IN, we are dedicated to offering vital support to children with special health care needs and their families. Our mission is to alleviate the financial burdens associated with medical and non-medical expenses, ensuring that families can focus on what truly matters - the health and well-being of their children. We provide financial assistance for a range of needs, including medical costs such as prescriptions and durable medical equipment, as well as essential non-medical costs like home modifications and daily living expenses including food and utilities. Additionally, we recognize the importance of logistics in healthcare, offering support for travel and lodging to medical facilities. Each family can receive grants up to $500 per year, with requests handled in the order they are received. We strive to respond promptly, typically within 15 business days, and consider all requests compassionately, ensuring that no deserving family is left without help.

The Hailey Bankhead Foundation (HBF) in East Chicago, IN, is dedicated to empowering children with cancer and their families by addressing their diverse and often overlooked needs during a diagnosis. We understand the challenges that families face, which is why we offer essential services such as care packages, emergency financial assistance, therapeutic activities, support groups, and spiritual guidance. Additionally, we provide grocery and gas cards, gift certificates, and meal vouchers to ensure that families have access to the resources they need during their journey. Our mission is to provide compassionate support and practical help to those affected by childhood cancer, fostering hope and resilience in our community.

Located in East Chicago, IN, NICU Family Support, a program of Project Sweet Peas, is dedicated to assisting families with children in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and those who have faced the heartbreaking experience of pregnancy and infant loss. We offer essential services including care packages, food and fuel assistance, and bereavement memory boxes, ensuring that families have the support they need during these challenging times. Our bereavement support resources provide comfort and guidance, while we also supply necessary items for babies, fostering a sense of care and community for every family we serve.