Feed the Region Responds to Storm Aftermath in Valparaiso with Free Meals

On a rainy Thursday evening, parts of Valparaiso remained in darkness and without power following a storm earlier in the week. Inside Nana Clare’s Kitchen, however, the atmosphere was lively. Volunteers busily prepared meals, chopping vegetables, making tomato-topped bread, and packaging green mac and cheese for those in need.

Michelle Danielewicz, a volunteer from Portage, referenced the 2007 film title for the correct spelling of ‘ratatouille’ while labeling meals. These meals were being created as part of an initiative led by Steph Talarek, founder of Feed the Region, a group dedicated to providing free meals to anyone in need irrespective of their income or residency.

Talarek, who started this project in February, relies on donations and is seeking nonprofit status. At present, she is focused on expanding the initiative to Lake County, with plans to offer meals throughout a six-county region. On this particular Thursday, the goal was to distribute more than 300 meals, with at least 20 volunteers working hard to make it happen.

Along with meals, recipients received small vases of flowers donated from Chesterton’s community garden. Talarek and her husband, Adam Stranc, have experienced hardship in the past, which drives their commitment to giving back. Talarek noted how everything seems tougher now, emphasizing the timing for their efforts.

Feed the Region has been consistent in providing meals every Thursday, usually about 100 meals with the help of six to eight volunteers. This time the team scaled up their efforts in response to the post-storm needs. Talarek and her team took a proactive role post-storm, unlike during a previous situation when they found everyone okay after a tornado hit in April.

During the meal preparations, Brenden Hess, along with his mother Amy and Kelly Enderson, contributed by adding olive oil and making ‘ugly bread.’ Usually, about 100 meals are prepared, but due to the storm’s impact, the team had set a target for over 300 meals.

Talarek’s social media skills helped spread the word, with some residents planning to collect meals on behalf of many others. Jody Gawthrop from Hobart learned about the group on Facebook, aligning with their mission and actively participating in the distribution.

Amy Hess and her son Brenden, a fifth grader at Cooks Corners Elementary, participated by packaging the meals. Despite the weather, Brenden expressed interest in running a lemonade stand to raise funds for the organization. Carol Presdorf from Hobart joined the effort over the summer, eager to support Talarek’s mission.

As cans of beans lined the kitchen’s countertop, the group considered making chili, showcasing how the location leveraged stored supplies due to its uninterrupted power. Talarek highlighted their readiness to provide for the community under such circumstances.

For more details, visit: www.feedtheregion.org