Our Mission
The Mission of Community Help Network, Inc. is to provide programming to help eliminate food insecurity and systemic poverty in South Lake County, Indiana. We serve those citizens in our community that dwell in poverty, acclaiming their diversity with equity and inclusiveness.
So, let’s come together to make a positive impact in our community. Donate today and help us ensure that no child in South Lake County goes hungry. Together, we can make a difference!
“Never do nothing just because you can only do a little.”
-Bonnie
Buddy Bags
Children who are benefiting from free breakfast and lunch at school, are not always so fortunate on the weekends.
Household Pantry
Serves low income families in South Lake County
-Photo ID and proof of residency required
– Tuesday 9-12am, Saturday 9-12am
Ladle of Love
Come Join us for an amazing meal and sometimes music
– First and Third Saturday of every month
– 11am to 1pm
Volunteer Options
Thank you for considering volunteering with us! We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available
Upcoming Events
We are constantly hosting new and exciting events. Check out the link below to see what we have coming up!
Team Buddy Bags
No matter if you are a fan of running or not you can support Buddy Bags by participating in local races! Check the link below for info!
Community Help Network’s Buddy Bags Program serves food insecure students with supplemental nutrition. Each Buddy Bag contains breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for two days. Currently we serve over 850 food insecure students throughout the four school districts of southern Lake County Indiana.
Our Household Pantry program provides cleaning supplies, paper products and hygiene items to low-income families in our service area. These are things that cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, aka “food stamps”. In just a few short years this program has grown into serving over 110 families every month.
In March of 2022 we began a bimonthly free luncheon that we named “Ladle of Love”. This takes place in the dining hall at 550 East Burrell Drive the first and third Saturdays of every month from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. There is no charge and everyone is welcome.
The Buddy Bags Program continues through summer! Families can pick up groceries weekly for eight weeks at 550 East Burrell Drive or the new satellite location at Lowell First United Methodist Church, 520 East Commercial Avenue.
We’re collecting food donations in May, June, and July at 550 East Burrell Drive (across from Crown Point High School), Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 3 PM, and Saturdays, 9 AM – Noon. Use the red door by the loading dock or the after-hours drop box.
Donate by June 15th to receive a free “The Adventures of Kicker and Flinnder” children’s book by Bonnie Meyer (while supplies last).
Suggested Food Items:
- Pantry Staples: Pasta, rice, beans, pasta sauce, peanut butter, jelly, flour, sugar, spices.
- Breakfast/Baking: Cold cereal, cake mixes, muffin mixes, pancake mix, syrup.
- Meal Helpers: Hamburger helper, side dishes, soup mixes.
- Snacks: Crackers, cookies, microwave popcorn, granola bars.
- Canned Goods: Fruit, vegetables, beef, chicken, ham.
- Condiments: Ketchup, mustard, mayo.
If shopping is difficult, Aldi or Stracks gift cards are also greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Bonnie and the CHN Board