The Strack & Van Til team recently took part in an impactful volunteer effort at the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, where they packed 2,000 dinners for families in need. Store Directors, Managers, and Corporate Team members from the regional grocery chain worked together in a fast-paced assembly line, each person contributing to the Food Bank’s mission of delivering essential food items to Lake and Porter counties.
The volunteer event took place in the Food Bank’s warehouse, with Strack & Van Til team members lined up along both sides of a long, metal rolling table. Stacks of non-perishable food items were organized in the center of the table for quick access, allowing the volunteers to pack each box efficiently and with care. Nearby, large pallets of food stood ready to replenish the assembly line as the team swiftly packed hundreds of boxes for distribution.
Amy S. Briseño, vice president of development and communications for the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, praised Strack & Van Til’s volunteer efforts and highlighted their importance.
"Watching our team work together to serve our community is incredibly inspiring," Briseño said.
The meal boxes packed by the volunteers contain a range of non-perishable items thoughtfully chosen to provide families with balanced holiday meals. As well, Strack & Van Til also donated a turkey and pie for inclusion with each meal bag.
“Strack & Van Til is our annual premier partner,” said Briseño. "Not only do they rally these teams of employees to pack meals at the facility, they also lead a fundraising campaign through their Checkout Challenge.”
The Checkout Challenge is an ongoing initiative at Strack & Van Til stores, where cashiers invite customers to round up their purchases, and the spare change goes directly to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. This campaign has proven the power of small donations from everyday transactions can add up to a significant contribution toward fighting hunger across the Region.
Tom Steliga, director of the center store at Strack & Van Til, shares the same appreciation for their partnership with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.
“We’ve been doing three donations each year during Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Steliga said. “Working with the food bank at the right time when they need the product has been a great experience.”
Steliga played a big role in coordinating this event. “I love being in a position to be able to organize events like this,” Steliga said. “We ordered everything and coordinated it in our warehouse before sending it over. It’s a great team effort”
The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana serves more than 100,000 residents every year through mobile markets, senior hunger relief programs, and partnerships with local agencies. For each dollar donated, the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana can provide up to three meals for those in need, making volunteer events a critical part of its ability to serve the community.
The partnership between Strack & Van Til and the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana shows the power of community engagement in addressing food insecurity. Through its volunteer efforts and ongoing support, Strack & Van Til employees and shoppers contribute to a cause that directly benefits local families. Each meal packed and every dollar raised brings the Region closer to ensuring no one goes hungry this holiday season.
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