Indiana American Water donates $10,000 to Food Bank of Northwest Indiana

Just in time for the holiday season, Indiana American Water facilitated a $10,000 donation to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana through the American Water Charitable Foundation as part of a statewide funding distribution.

The American Water Charitable Foundation is a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by American Water. The foundation partners with state affiliates to identify needs in the communities where the company operates, supporting approximately 75 communities nationwide. Since 2012, the foundation has invested more than $20 million through grants and matching gifts focused on clean water, conservation, education, disaster relief, and community sustainability.

Joel Reuter, external affairs manager for Indiana American Water, said the timing of the donation was especially meaningful.

“It’s not only the right thing to do, but it was the right time to do it given all the strains on our economy this year,” Reuter said. “Being a good neighbor and a good steward means giving back. We support the communities where we work, live, and operate.”

The local donation was part of a broader $34,000 distributed across Indiana. The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana received the largest share of the funding, with the remaining dollars divided among four other food banks and pantries statewide. Indiana American Water made a similar donation to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana last year.

Victor Garcia, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, said corporate partnerships play a critical role in meeting rising demand. The donation will help provide approximately 30,000 meals for residents in Lake and Porter counties.

“The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana is on track to distribute more than 11 million pounds of food in 2025,” Garcia said. “We can’t do that work without the support of our community and corporate partners like Indiana American Water.”

Each year, the American Water Charitable Foundation allocates funding across its three pillars of giving: water, people, and communities. Reuter said food insecurity stood out as a priority amid economic uncertainty.

“We looked at needs across the organization, especially during the federal government shutdown and delays in SNAP benefits,” Reuter said. “We also know food needs increase during the holiday season, even before Thanksgiving. That’s why we directed remaining state strategic grant funds to food banks across Indiana.”

Although donations and volunteers often increase during the holidays, Garcia emphasized that hunger is a year-round issue.

“We see more interest in giving during the holiday season, but hunger doesn’t stop afterward,” Garcia said. “We especially need volunteers for packing projects and mobile distributions. Anyone looking to give back can visit our website to find volunteer opportunities.”

The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana supports more than 150 partner agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and congregate meal sites. Its programs include mobile market distributions and initiatives addressing infant mortality, diabetes, and mental health, using nutrition as a tool to improve overall health.

Garcia said many of the food bank’s clients are working families or seniors on fixed incomes.

“The vast majority of people we serve are working families struggling to get by or seniors,” Garcia said. “Everyone needs help from time to time, and we’re here to support anyone who needs it.”

For more information about Indiana American Water, visit its website.