Thread: Federal program gives free food to illegals in Indiana

Federal program helping local migrant workers

Indiana - More than two million migrant farmers work in the United States. Close to 80-percent are from Mexico, with hopes of making enough money to support their families.

However, the truth is, many don't make enough money to put food on the table, and that's where a federal program here in South Bend is helping out.

The program is paid for by the U.S. government and takes place across the country around this time of year.

Here in Indiana, there are 20 sites that are distributing food to help migrant families.

Thursday, NewsCenter 16 tagged along as migrant workers received some assistance.

A little help

"(They are) jobs many times that you and I, and many Americans don't want," says Food Bank of Northern Indiana Dennis Brown. However, they are jobs that people, willing to fill, stand in long lines for.

Most of the men and women who were on hand Thursday at the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, who now call Michiana home, are either migrant workers or are family members of migrant workers.

"It keeps our produce cost down and I'm happy to have them. We would be in trouble without these folks," said Brown.

Each summer, the United States government takes steps to give migrant workers, who qualify, non-perishable food items.

"We go to the Indiana Health Center and fill out the paper work and then from there, we come here. They tell us when we have to come and pick up the food," explains Chenoa Santiago, who is a migrant farm worker's wife.

Each summer, the United States government takes steps to give migrant workers, who qualify, non-perishable food items...Because there are so many migrant workers in need locally, it took the Food Bank of Northern Indiana three days to distribute the food.

"What you are seeing today is a one time event that happens at this time of the year," says Brown. "They have fruit, and they have peanut butter, juices, and canned vegetables."

Santiago says, "They give stuff that last; non perishables that last for a while and it helps out a lot."

The food donations are just as meaningful to the volunteers that lend a helping hand as well.

...the food is mostly non-perishable items, which will last for some time"It means a lot because these people can't get this somewhere else. This is like there only source of food that they get," said Volunteer Araceli Alvarez.

"It just feels good to see them all coming away with something," says Brown. "I know this is a real boost to them too because they don't get paid a lot."

The Food Bank of Northern Indiana estimates close to 1000 local families were helped this year by the federal funded program.

In the three-day period, they distributed close to 75,000 pounds of food.

Indiana - More than two million migrant farmers work in the United States. Close to 80-percent are from Mexico, with hopes of making enough money to support their families.

However, the truth is, many don't make enough money to put food on the table, and that's where a federal program here in South Bend is helping out.

Okay, they are making money but they are not going to spend money to buy their own food or pay there own medical bills if the federal and state governments make honest taxpayers pick up the bill. Of course they send their money back to Mexico, 'cause they have a free meal ticket here and a free pass to thumb their nose at our laws.

Browneee you are doing a heck of a job!!