Old National Bank donates $15K to Franciscan’s Food Insecurity Program

Contribution will fund Fresh Start Market food pantry for three months

Franciscan Health’s Fresh Start Market will be able to help feed local families facing food insecurity for three months thanks to a $15,000 donation from Old National Bank.

Employees from various Old National Bank branches and offices donate their time at the program’s Mobile Markets, which provide drive-through boxes of food to those in need during the holidays. Those volunteer experiences led to a desire to do more to support the cause.

Since 2021, Old National Bank has contributed more than $40,000 to support Franciscan’s Food Insecurity Program.

“Old National Bank’s support of Franciscan Health’s Food Insecurity Program is about more than just a donation, it’s about making sure local families have access to nutritious meals and the resources they need to thrive,” said Old National Bank’s Northwest Indiana Market President and Senior Vice President of Community Lending Market Executive Monica Rubio. “By helping sustain the Fresh Start Market, we’re investing in the well-being of our neighbors and building a stronger, healthier Northwest Indiana for everyone.”

The recent $15,000 donation will fund food purchases for three months at the Fresh Start Market, which serves nearly 200 people monthly.

The Franciscan Health Foundation partnered in 2021 with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana to create the three-phase Food Insecurity Program to address food insecurity across the region.

Phase 1 was the Mobile Markets and Phase II was the Fresh Start Markets in Hammond and Crown Point. The healthy food markets allow those in need to shop free of charge. In addition to supplying food, the Fresh Start Markets work to identify the underlying causes and health implications of food insecurity with education, nutrition and recipes.

Phase III was the Food Rx Program, which allows low-income individuals and their families — identified through the programs at the Fresh Start Markets, screenings and referrals — to receive additional, specific foods to meet their individual health needs.

“We are deeply grateful for Old National Bank’s continued trust and partnership,” said Franciscan Health Foundation Director of Development MinDee Richard. “Together, we remain committed to improving the quality of life in our community by ensuring access to healthy, high-quality food for those who need it most.”

The Fresh Start Markets are supported by donations to the Franciscan Health Foundation. To donate or for more information, go online or call (219) 661-3401.

Those seeking assistance through the Fresh Start Markets and other food insecurity programs may contact the Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement office at (219) 407-6948 for more information.