Strack & Van Til Fights Hunger in Northwest Indiana

Origins:

For more than 95 years, Strack & Van Til Food Market has served as the hometown grocer for communities across Northwest Indiana. Its vision — to make people’s lives easier — is demonstrated every day, both within its 22 stores and throughout its local communities. From the very beginning, Strack & Van Til’s co-founders, Nick Van Til and Ernie Strack, believed that a business should engage in community service because it’s the right thing to do. In 1989, that commitment was put to the test when the local Food Bank of Northwest Indiana was on the verge of permanently closing its doors. Strack & Van Til quickly stepped in to provide funding to ensure the food bank would remain open and continue to serve the community. More than 35 years later, that support continues and has expanded to help other organizations including Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army and other local nonprofits. Food insecurity remains a prevalent issue today with one in seven Northwest Indiana residents experiencing hunger. Since 1989, Strack & Van Til has spearheaded a series of annual fundraising and donation efforts to unite its customers and employees around the cause. In 2024, Strack & Van Til held a two-month fundraising campaign for the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana and also hosted holiday meal packaging and distribution events. Additionally, the company continued its support for the food bank’s Mobile Markets, while always looking for new and creative ways to fight hunger in the region.

Contribution:

For 20+ years, Strack & Van Til has hosted an annual register roundup for the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana that takes place in November and December when food banks see increased demand leading into the holiday season. In addition to rounding up to the nearest dollar, customers have the option to purchase prepackaged bags of groceries for $5, $10 or $20 to donate to a local food pantry in their community. Additionally, Strack & Van Til hosts holiday meal packaging and distribution events for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Employees from all levels of the company participate in the events, bagging hams and other holiday ingredients to then distribute to families in need through a drive-thru event. For the past three years, the grocer has also supported the food bank’s Mobile Markets, donating protein and produce. Employees also volunteer to help staff these markets several times a year.

Objectives:

Strack & Van Til strives to enhance the quality of life within its communities. Through its annual hunger-fighting efforts, the grocer aims to:

• Support the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana and other local food pantries through monetary support and product donations.

• Raise awareness of food insecurity in the region.

• Engage customers and employees to become more involved in their communities.

Strack & Van Til is invested in the success of the food bank. When a hunger-fighting initiative requires “time, treasure or talent,” the grocer is always there to help in whatever capacity is needed. Since 1989, Strack & Van Til leaders have served on the food bank’s board of directors. Strack & Van Til’s President, Jeff Strack, is actively involved with the food bank and motivates the company’s more than 2,800 employees to do the same through volunteerism and fundraising.

Impact:

During the 2024 campaign, Strack & Van Til’s 22 stores raised more than $183,000 for the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana through the register roundup. To generate excitement within its workforce, Strack & Van Til held a companywide contest to see which cashiers could raise the most funds during the campaign. Many cashiers have long-established relationships with their customers, and this roundup offered another opportunity to engage and build upon those relationships. The top three cashiers received gift card prizes and were recognized at the food bank’s annual soiree. Altogether, Strack & Van Til donated 332,302 pounds of food to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana in 2024. More than 200,000 pounds of that food was donated through food rescue efforts. The grocer also helped feed thousands of families through its holiday meal packaging events, donating more than 131,000 pounds of food. Multiple times during the year, Strack & Van Til employees volunteered their time to help staff the food bank’s Mobile Markets, with each location providing groceries to 200-500 families per week. The grocer’s Strack & Van Til Charity Foundation organizes an annual golf fundraiser to support several charities throughout Northwest Indiana. In 2024, the event raised more than $205,000 to benefit the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, the Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, and many more local charities. Most recently, Strack & Van Til was recognized by the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana as its premier partner for the grocer’s ongoing support.

Quote:

“Food insecurity is particularly troubling for those of us in the grocery industry. It is heartbreaking to know how many of our neighbors are struggling with food insecurity. It is our responsibility as a grocer and a corporate citizen to help where we can.”

- Jeff Strack, President, Strack & Van Til Food Markets

Support Statement:

“Food insecurity continues to affect thousands of families in Lake and Porter counties, where many are forced to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table. Our partnership with Strack & Van Til is critical in the fight against hunger — through their generous food donations, customer campaigns, and shared commitment to community, we're able to reach more neighbors with the nourishment and hope they deserve. Our friends at Strack & Van Til have stood alongside us for decades, doing their part in making sure our neighbors have access to the nutrition they need.”

- Victor Garcia, President and CEO, Food Bank of Northwest Indiana