Calumet Township readies for increasing food assistance

Calumet Township hasn’t seen a drastic increase in the number of people it’s been feeding, but when it does, they’re working to be ready.

Around 120 cars lined up in the lot across the street from the Multipurpose Center before 6 a.m. November 20 to take part in the Calumet Township Trustee’s second food giveaway for November. Volunteers gave away non-perishable items and detergent products earlier in the month; this time, recipients would get the non-perishables that every house needs for their Thanksgiving feasts, Trustee Tai Adkins said.

What wasn’t given out on Nov. 20 was held over for an extra giveaway Tuesday morning, she said.

“This time, the items were for a holistic meal, and we ensured we brought enough,” she said. “We’ve been doing these twice a month since summer, and serve at least 120 households. That equates to about 1,600 pounds of food each time.

“What we can do realistically, we’re going to do.”

LaJuan Clemons, the township’s coordinator, said they’ve been working on building up the program to be more than just a pantry. To do that, they’re going to need to get some freezers and other infrastructure.

“Once we get that, it’s a game-changer,” Clemons said. “We’d like a whole grocery line with meat and fresh produce, not just shelf-stable items. But the plan is in place.”

Terrell Heath, of Gary, said he was asked to volunteer at the distribution, and it was a new experience for him. He said once all the volunteers arrived, they were able to get things set up in about 20 minutes.

“It’s kind of cool,” he said as he put food bags on a rolling cart.

Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.