LA PORTE COUNTY, IN—Unity Foundation of La Porte County and Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), with support from the NiSource Charitable Foundation, have partnered to administer $20,000 in funding to address food insecurity in La Porte County. Six local nonprofit organizations are receiving support, each focused on providing low- or no-cost food to residents.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with NIPSCO and the NiSource Charitable Foundation on this effort,” said Jeri Pat Gabbert, President & CEO of Unity Foundation. “Now more than ever, La Porte County residents are relying on local programs for emergency assistance and to supplement stretched household budgets. Supporting these nonprofits helps ensure assistance reaches the people who need it most.”

“A guiding tenet of NIPSCO and the NiSource Charitable Foundation is assisting with emergent human needs for food and shelter,” said Katie Eaton, Public Affairs & Economic Development Manager at NIPSCO. “We are proud to partner with the Unity Foundation to place these dollars with organizations helping to meet the needs of residents in La Porte County.”

This funding comes at a time when many nonprofits are seeing an increase in local need. Food pantries and meal programs across the region have reported rising demand as households continue to face higher food and living costs.

“We are thankful to Unity Foundation and the NiSource Charitable Foundation for supporting the mission of The Salvation Army of Michigan City. With nearly 600 families turning to our food pantry each month, this gift helps us respond to the growing challenge of food insecurity in our community,” said Major Becky Simmons, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army of Michigan City.

“We’re humbled to be part of a community that comes together to support one another,” said Jim Musial, Executive Director of Citizens Concerned for the Homeless. “It is this kind of collaboration that makes our work possible.”

The six organizations receiving grants are as follows:

• Citizens Concerned for the Homeless
• Community Food Pantry of Galena, Hudson, Kankakee & Wills Townships
• La Porte County Meals on Wheels
• The Pax Center
• Sacred Heart Food Pantry
• Salvation Armies of Michigan City and La Porte

If you need assistance with access to food or other necessities, call 211 or (866) 211-9966, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit 211.org.

About Unity Foundation
Since 1992, Unity Foundation of La Porte County has served donors, nonprofits and local communities. As La Porte County’s community foundation, it manages nearly $60 million in assets, administers more than 400 charitable funds, and has distributed nearly $29 million through direct grants and scholarships. Unity Foundation’s mission is to strengthen La Porte County now and forever by building permanent endowments; providing leadership; offering philanthropic vehicles for everyone; and being a catalyst for social and economic vitality. For more information, please visit uflc.net or call 219-879-0327.

About NIPSCO
Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), with headquarters in Merrillville, Indiana, has proudly served the energy needs of northern Indiana for more than 100 years. As Indiana’s largest natural gas distribution company and the second-largest electric distribution company, NIPSCO serves approximately 900,000 natural gas and 500,000 electric customers across 32 counties. NIPSCO is part of NiSource’s (NYSE: NI) six regulated utility companies. NiSource is one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the United States, serving approximately 3.8 million natural gas and electric customers through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands. More information about NIPSCO and NiSource is available at NIPSCO.com and NiSource.com.     

About NiSource Charitable Foundation
The NiSource Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and serves as the charitable arm for NiSource Inc. and its companies operating under the NIPSCO and Columbia Gas brands. The Foundation’s mission is to create strong and sustainable communities where our employees and customers live and work. The Foundation lives up to its mission by providing charitable grants to nonprofit organizations and by encouraging employee volunteerism. Learn more at www.NiSource.com/Foundation