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HelpByState

Lake County, Indiana

Free help in Lake County, Indiana

Find a food pantry open this week
Free help from local charities, food banks, and state and federal programs. Free to use, no sign-up. Every listing shows the day we checked it.

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Real help, from real placesFood banks, charities, churches, and state and federal programs near you.
Checked for youEach listing shows the day we checked it, so you do not drive to a closed door.

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140confirmed listings
16towns covered
82food pantries and meal programs
October 9last checked

This week

Food this week in Lake County

Pick a day to see which pantries are open and when. Times come from each pantry's confirmed schedule. Tap Call to reach them.

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Tap a numbered circle to zoom in. Pins are for orientation only: trust the address on each card.

COOK, ILKANKAKEE, ILWILL, ILJASPERNEWTONPORTER LAKE COUNTY Lake Michigan GaryMerrillvilleHobartHammondCrown PointScherervilleEast ChicagoSt. John
Indiana
140 places

    Some safety programs do not share an address, so they are not on the map. They are listed under Safety below.

    Food pantries and meals82

    Gary

    Bethel Temple

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner.

    Hours
    Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM (last week of the month only)
    Address
    110 W. 43rd Ave, Gary, IN 46408

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map, and some days vary. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Gary

    City of Gary Warming & Cooling Center

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner. Serves Lake County.

    Hours
    Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
    Address
    4101 Washington St, Gary, IN 46408

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Gary

    Crossroad Mbc

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner.

    Hours
    Food pantry: Saturday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
    Address
    529 Jefferson St., Gary, IN 46402

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Gary

    First Baptist Church

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner. Agency Referral Form is required.

    Hours
    Wednesday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
    Address
    626 W. 21st Ave., Gary, IN 46407

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Gary

    Gethsemane MB Church

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner.

    Hours
    3rd Saturday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
    Address
    1095 Jackson St., Gary, IN 46402

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Gary

    Peter Rock COGIC Food Pantry

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner.

    Hours
    Friday, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
    Address
    2765 Van Buren Pl, Gary, IN 46407

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Gary

    Saint's Home Food Pantry

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner.

    Hours
    3rd Tuesday, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
    Address
    833 E 21st Avenue, Gary, IN 46407

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Gary

    Sojourner Truth House

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner.

    Hours
    Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
    Address
    410 W. 13th Ave., Gary, IN 46407

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Gary

    Trinity United

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner. No eligibility required ~ walkups welcomed.

    Hours
    2nd and 4th Saturday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (last week of the month only)
    Address
    1276 W. 20th Ave, Gary, IN 46407

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map, and some days vary. Please call to confirm before you go.

    East Chicago

    Catholic Charities Diocese of Gary Food Pantry

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner. Serves Lake, LaPorte, Porter, Starke. Proof of State Residency is required.

    Hours
    Friday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
    Address
    3901 Fir Street, East Chicago, IN 46312

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Hammond

    Flourish 4 Life Food Pantry

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner.

    Hours
    Thursday, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
    Address
    200 Russell St Suite 202, Hammond, IN 46320

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Hammond

    St. Joseph's Conference

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner.

    Hours
    Wednesday, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
    Address
    5304 Hohman Ave, Hammond, IN 46320

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Munster

    Operation Care

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner. Serves Lake, Porter. Proof of County Residency is required.

    Hours
    Saturday, 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM
    Address
    340 45th Street, Munster, IN 46321

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Munster

    Salvation Army, Munster

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner. Must be a resident Dyer, Griffith, Hammond, Highland, Munster, Schereville, Cedar Lake, Lowell, and St. John and provide a proof of Residency (current utility bill, lease,) and ID upon arrival.

    Hours
    Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Wednesday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (every other week)
    Address
    8225 Columbia Ave., Munster, IN 46321

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map, and some days vary. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Merrillville

    Christian Revivial Center

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner.

    Hours
    3rd Sunday, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
    Address
    805 W. 57th Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Crown Point

    Gap Food Pantry

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner. Serves Lake. Proof of County Residency is required.

    Hours
    Thursday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (every other week)
    Address
    1936 N. Main Street Suite A, Crown Point, IN 46307

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map, and some days vary. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Crown Point

    SVdP at Holy Spirit Church Winfield

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner. You are able to visit our food pantry once a month. All that is needed is a photo ID.

    Hours
    Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
    Address
    7667 E. 109th Ave, Crown Point, IN 46307

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Highland

    St. James Food Pantry

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner.

    Hours
    Food pantry: Friday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Food pantry: Friday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
    Address
    9640 Kennedy Ave NW corner Kennedy and 45th St., St. James hall, Highland, IN 46324

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Hobart

    Eternal Word Worship Center Food Pantry

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner.

    Hours
    4th Thursday, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (last week of the month only)
    Address
    625 Lake St, Hobart, IN 46342

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map, and some days vary. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Gary

    All Nations COGIC

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner.

    Hours
    3rd Saturday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
    Address
    2248 Garfield St, Gary, IN 46404

    Call first. No phone is listed for this site. Dial 2-1-1 for help reaching it.

    Gary

    Beacon Light Food Pantry

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner.

    Hours
    Thursday, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (last week of the month only)
    Address
    3770 Burr Street, Gary, IN 46408

    Call first. No phone is listed for this site. Dial 2-1-1 for help reaching it.

    Gary

    Black Oak Pantry

    Food pantry, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    2725 E Oakwood Dr, Gary, IN 46423

    Call first. Hours come from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana map. Please call to confirm before you go.

    Gary

    Brother's Keeper

    Food pantry, Free meals, a Food Bank of Northwest Indiana partner. No income qualifications needed or necessary. Everyone will be served. Gary residents can return once every 14 days . Non- Gary residents will be served only ONCE a year. No exceptions.

    Hours
    Food pantry: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
    Address
    2120 Broadway, Gary, IN 46407

    Call first. No phone is listed for this site. Dial 2-1-1 for help reaching it.

    See all 82 food listings in Lake County →

    Housing3

    Gary

    Housing Authority of the City of Gary

    Public housing apartments and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    578 Broadway, Gary, IN 46402

    Call first. Office hours are not published. Call to ask about openings and the waiting list.

    East Chicago

    Housing Authority of the City of East Chicago

    Public housing apartments and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    4444 Railroad Ave, East Chicago, IN 46312

    Call first. Office hours are not published. Call to ask about openings and the waiting list.

    Hammond

    Housing Authority of the City of Hammond

    Public housing apartments and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1402 173rd St, Hammond, IN 46324

    Call first. Office hours are not published. Call to ask about openings and the waiting list.

    Health and dental48

    Gary

    Community HealthNet at MLK

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    3503 Martin Luther King Dr, Gary, IN 46409

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    Gary

    Community HealthNet Main

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1021 W 5th Ave, Gary, IN 46402

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    Gary

    Community HealthNet Miller

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1015 N Shelby St, Gary, IN 46403

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    Gary

    Edgewater Health

    Community health center run by Edgewater Systems for Balanced Living, INC.. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1100 W 6th Ave, Gary, IN 46402

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    Gary

    Marram Health Center

    Community health center run by Porter-Starke Services, INC.. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    3229 Broadway, Suite 115, Gary, IN 46409

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    Gary

    NorthShore Gary Health Center

    Community health center run by Northshore Health Centers, INC. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    2200 Richard Gordon Hatcher Blvd, Gary, IN 46404

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    Gary

    Turning Point

    Community health center run by Edgewater Systems for Balanced Living, INC.. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1110 W 5th Ave, Gary, IN 46402

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    East Chicago

    219 Health Network

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    100 W Chicago Ave, Suite F, East Chicago, IN 46312

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    East Chicago

    219 Health Network

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    4320 Fir St, East Chicago, IN 46312

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    East Chicago

    219 Health Network

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    2020 E Columbus Dr STE A, East Chicago, IN 46312

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    East Chicago

    HealthLinc East Chicago

    Community health center run by Healthlinc INC. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1313 W Chicago Ave, East Chicago, IN 46312

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    East Chicago

    HealthLinc East Chicago Harbor

    Community health center run by Healthlinc INC. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    2323 Broadway St, East Chicago, IN 46312

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    East Chicago

    HealthLinc East Chicago Harbor West

    Community health center run by Healthlinc INC. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    2106 Broadway St, East Chicago, IN 46312

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    East Chicago

    NorthShore East Chicago

    Community health center run by Northshore Health Centers, INC. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    2121 E Columbus Dr, East Chicago, IN 46312

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    Hammond

    NorthShore Hammond Health Center

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1828 165th St, Hammond, IN 46320

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    Hammond

    Regional Health Clinic

    Community health center run by Southlake Community Mental Health Center INC. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    4022 Hohman Ave, Hammond, IN 46327

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    Hammond

    TCA Health Hammond

    Community health center run by Tca Health, INC. NFP. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    5504 Hohman Ave, Hammond, IN 46320

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    Munster

    219 Health Network

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    800 Macarthur Blvd, Suite 5, Munster, IN 46321

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    Munster

    219 Health Network

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    9130 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    Munster

    219 Health Network

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    9126 Columbia Ave, Munster, IN 46321

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    See all 48 health listings in Lake County →

    Recovery and mental health help2

    Statewide

    988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

    Call or text 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor any time, for a mental health crisis, thoughts of suicide or a substance use crisis. It is free and confidential. Veterans can press 1.

    Hours
    24 hours a day, 7 days a week

    Veterans services2

    Statewide

    Veterans Crisis Line

    Dial 988, then press 1. Or text 838255, or chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Free and confidential. You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care.

    Hours
    Open 24 hours a day, every day
    Statewide

    VA national phone lines

    VA benefits: 800-827-1000. VA health benefits: 877-222-8387. Homeless veterans, open 24 hours: 877-424-3838. MyVA411, the main VA line, open 24 hours: 800-698-2411.

    Hours
    Benefits line, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern

    Safety and crisis help1

    Statewide

    National Domestic Violence Hotline

    Free, confidential help for anyone hurt or threatened by a partner or family member: safety planning, shelter referrals and someone to talk to. Call 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or chat at TheHotline.org. In an emergency, call 911.

    Hours
    24 hours a day, 7 days a week

    Government offices1

    How HelpByState works

    Checked, dated and corrected by neighbors

    1. 1

      Matched to the source

      A listing goes up only after its phone and its address or hours match the organization's own page, or an official list.

    2. 2

      Dated on every card

      Each card shows the day we checked it. If sources disagree, we say call first instead of guessing.

    3. 3

      Fixed by the community

      See something wrong, or know a place we missed? Send it in. Nothing changes until we have checked it.

    Neighbors helping neighbors

    Help is closer than you think in Lake County

    A volunteer hands a bag of fresh groceries to a mother holding her daughter's hand
    Free groceriesFood banks and pantries give food to anyone who needs it.
    A helper smiles as she helps an older man fill out a form
    Someone to help you applyState offices and local programs help with food stamps, bills and more.
    Kids laughing together over a free meal with a grandmother at a community center
    Meals and care for kidsFree meals, clinics and family programs, close to home.

    Questions people ask

    Where can I get free food in Lake County, Indiana?

    We have confirmed 82 places that can help in Lake County: Bethel Temple in Gary (Saturday, 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM last week of the month only), (219) 980-0076, call first; City of Gary Warming & Cooling Center (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM), (219) 501-8766, call first; Crossroad Mbc in Gary (Food pantry: Saturday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM), (219) 882-7700, call first. 79 more are listed on this page. Please call first to confirm the ones marked call first. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.

    Where can I get housing help in Lake County, Indiana?

    We have confirmed 3 places that can help in Lake County: Housing Authority of the City of Gary, (219) 881-6422, call first; Housing Authority of the City of East Chicago, (219) 397-9974, call first; Housing Authority of the City of Hammond, (219) 989-3265, call first. Please call first to confirm the ones marked call first. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.

    Where can I find a free or low-cost clinic in Lake County, Indiana?

    We have confirmed 48 places that can help in Lake County: Community HealthNet at MLK in Gary, (219) 880-1190, call first; Community HealthNet at West Side High School in Gary, (219) 880-1190, call first; Community HealthNet Main in Gary, (219) 880-1190, call first. 45 more are listed on this page. Please call first to confirm the ones marked call first. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.

    Where can I get help with addiction or mental health in Lake County, Indiana?

    We have confirmed 2 places that can help in Lake County: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), 988; SAMHSA National Helpline (Open 24 hours a day, every day), (800) 662-4357. If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.

    Where can I get help with veterans benefits in Lake County, Indiana?

    We have confirmed 2 places that can help in Lake County: Veterans Crisis Line (Open 24 hours a day, every day), 988; VA national phone lines (Benefits line, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern), (800) 827-1000. A veteran in crisis can call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.

    Where can I get free legal help in Lake County, Indiana?

    We have confirmed one place that can help in Lake County: Indiana Legal Services, (844) 243-8570. Please call first to confirm. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.

    Is HelpByState free to use?

    Yes. There is nothing to sign up for and nothing to pay. Every listing is free, and so is adding or correcting one.

    Why do some listings say call first?

    Church and community pantries often change days, move, or close for a holiday. When the sources we checked disagree, or an organization does not publish its hours, we say so instead of guessing. A quick call saves a trip.

    I run a pantry or a program. How do I get listed or fix our hours?

    Use the Add a listing or Suggest an update form. We confirm it against your own page or contact you, then change the listing. It is free.

    Is this the same as 2-1-1?

    No. 2-1-1 is a statewide phone line and database run by the state network. HelpByState is an independent, county-by-county directory that shows the date each listing was checked. If you want to talk to a person, dial 2-1-1.

    Where do the hours and phone numbers come from?

    From each organization's own website or page, official sources such as housing authority and WIC clinic lists, and the public Find Food map of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. We list the source on every card.

    Something missing, or out of date?

    If you run a pantry or program, or you saw a listing that is wrong, tell us. We check every message against the organization's own page before anything changes.