As unemployment numbers skyrocket in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for economic assistance has followed suit. Food banks around the country are seeing a rising need among Americans affected by stay-at-home orders.

The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, located in Lake County, is one of those food banks. Director Victor Garcia says the organization is struggling to keep up with the community’s needs, as they have increased their distribution by 65% over typical operations.

“Every distribution we do, we’re turning people away because we’re running out of food at the distribution,” Garcia said. “It’s a challenging time right now.”

The food bank is currently receiving assistance from the National Guard, as their traditional workforce of volunteers is no longer available. Governor Eric Holcomb deployed the force to assist organizations around the state. As of now, the food bank has a team of 28 National Guard service members, but Garcia says they need to be prepared for them to leave at any time.

“To give you an idea of what kind of impact that has, we have 23 people on staff. It’s really allowing us to ramp up our operations here,” Garcia said.

Masked employees at the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana work to unpack a shipment. (Photo: Food Bank of Northwest Indiana)

Cars line up to collect from the food bank's drive-through service. (Photo: Food Bank of Northwest Indiana)

A National Guard member directs traffic during the food bank's drive-through distribution. (Photo: Food Bank of Northwest Indiana)

National Guard members gather shipments in the food bank warehouse. (Photo: Food Bank of Northwest Indiana)

One of the potential plans for having volunteers return to the food bank is to have them operate on a week-on, week-off basis in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at the bank as much as possible.

The food bank has received a number of financial and food donations in recent weeks, both from individuals and from businesses looking to help struggling members of the community. Garcia, however, is aware that such generosity just isn’t possible for everyone at the moment.

“If you’re not at work and you’re not earning money, you don’t have money to support us right now, that’s okay!” Garcia said. “Just keep us in mind because once the governor says it’s okay to go back to work, we’re still gonna have these same food insecurity needs.”

The bank offers programs for families, senior citizens, and children who are no longer receiving meals from school.

For now, Garcia hopes that those who need help are willing to seek it. Others can do their part by helping end the stigma around receiving food assistance.

“It’s okay to ask for help, there’s resources out there,” Garcia said.

To locate a food bank for assistance or to donate, visit Feeding America.