La PORTE COUNTY, Ind. — The Salvation Army serving La Porte County is expanding food pantry services in response to the devastating storms that impacted the region last month, providing additional food assistance to households recovering from power outages, lost wages, and other unexpected storm-related expenses.

Beginning immediately and continuing through October 31, 2026, households served by The Salvation Army food pantries in Michigan City and La Porte will be eligible for one additional pantry visit per month. The temporary expansion is designed to help families replace food lost during extended power outages, stretch household budgets, and access nutritious groceries while recovering from the financial impact of the storms.

The enhanced services are made possible through a $40,000 storm recovery grant provided by Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) with support from the NiSource Charitable Foundation and administered through the Unity Foundation of La Porte County. While the funding supports a broad recovery effort, The Salvation Army's focus is on increasing both access to food and the quantity of groceries available to local residents during this recovery period.

"The storms created challenges that many families are still working to overcome," said Major Becky Simmons of The Salvation Army serving La Porte County. "For many households, replacing spoiled food, keeping up with household bills, and recovering lost income can be overwhelming. This support allows us to respond in a meaningful way by providing additional access to healthy food and helping families refill their refrigerators and freezers as they get back on track."

Under normal pantry guidelines, households visiting The Salvation Army food pantry in Michigan City may receive assistance once per month, while households utilizing the La Porte Client Choice Food Pantry may visit every two weeks. During September and October, households will be permitted one additional pantry visit each month, providing greater flexibility and support as families recover from storm-related hardships.

The Salvation Army of Michigan City food pantry (1201 S. Franklin St., Michigan City) is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Salvation Army of La Porte food pantry (3240 Monroe St., La Porte) is open Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is open to all La Porte County residents. Individuals visiting either pantry for the first time should bring a valid photo ID.

More information is available by calling (219) 874-6885 or (219) 326-5342.

"Our goal is to make sure families have the food they need while they focus on recovering from the challenges created by these storms," Simmons said. "Food assistance is one way we can help relieve immediate financial pressure and ensure our neighbors have the support they need during this difficult time."

The Salvation Army will continue providing emergency assistance and recovery support to residents throughout La Porte County and encourages anyone experiencing food insecurity or storm-related hardship to contact their local Salvation Army location for assistance.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 27 million people in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs in His name without discrimination in nearly every ZIP code. By providing food, shelter, eviction prevention assistance, emergency disaster relief, rehabilitation, after-school and summer youth programs, spiritual enrichment, and more, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 6,400 centers of operation around the country. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.

About the NiSource Charitable Foundation
The NiSource Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and serves as the charitable arm for NiSource Inc. and its companies operating under the NIPSCO and Columbia Gas brands. The Foundation’s mission is to create strong and sustainable communities where our employees and customers live and work. The Foundation lives up to its mission by providing charitable
grants to nonprofit organizations and by encouraging employee volunteerism. Learn more at www.NiSource.com/Foundation

About NIPSCO: 
Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), with headquarters in Merrillville, Indiana, has proudly served the energy needs of northern Indiana for more than 100 years. As Indiana’s largest natural gas distribution company and the second-largest electric distribution company, NIPSCO serves approximately 900,000 natural gas and 500,000 electric customers across 32 counties. NIPSCO is part of NiSource’s (NYSE: NI) six regulated utility companies. NiSource is one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the United States, serving approximately 3.8 million natural gas and electric customers through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands. More information about NIPSCO and NiSource is available at NIPSCO.com and NiSource.com. 

About Unity Foundation
Since 1992, Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits and local communities. As La Porte County’s community foundation, it manages more than $60 million, administers more than 400 charitable funds, and has distributed nearly $29 million through direct grants and scholarships. Unity Foundation’s mission is to strengthen La Porte County now and forever by building permanent endowments; providing leadership; offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone; and being a catalyst for social and economic vitality. For more information, please visit uflc.net or call 219-879-0327.