INDIANAPOLIS — Organizations are going above and beyond to give out food to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. But, what if you can't get to the food?
A group is working to take the food to the doorsteps of those who need it.
Work doesn't seem to slow for Daniel Marquez, city life ministry director for Youth for Christ.
"We are all about finding and meeting the need," Marquez said. "If you think about places like 42nd and Post or the near west side of Indy, 16th Street down through Tibbs, we know there are some needs there but we aren't just looking to meet the need we want to build relationships."
When schools closed their doors, Marquez said he knew that would leave some families hungry. He also knows not every family has a ride to pick up food even if its being handed out for free.
"We saw the need to start delivering food to the families we serve because in some cases they just didn't have access either mom or dad is working and they are using the cars," Marquez said. "In other cases they just outright don't have cars or the ability to get to schools."
Marquez said they are able to identify who needs what just by building relationships in the communities they serve.
"We go through an entire community and we find the students where they are," Marquez said.
When they find them, they stop by to help.
"We don't just come to the home and drop off food," Marquez said. "We actually take a moment to engage them and ask them what's going on in their world."
Volunteers are particular about what goes into each package of food for families.
"We are not just giving snacks and cake, we are making sure they get whole meals," Marquez said.