WeVote
Log In

Bill

WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 11

Summary of HR 1510 (Introduced Version) — Indiana House of Representatives, 2026

Note: This summary reflects the bill text provided, which designates a House Resolution honoring the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. It is not a statute that creates enforceable requirements but a ceremonial resolution recognizing the organization.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Main purpose: Honor the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana (FBNWI) for its service, innovation, and dedication to improving the health and well-being of communities and families in Northwest Indiana.
  • The resolution expresses gratitude and acknowledges FBNWI’s leadership, impact, and ongoing contributions to local hunger relief and community programs.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Formal Recognition:
    • The Indiana House of Representatives would officially commend and honor FBNWI for its service, innovation, and impact.
  • Notable Accomplishments Highlighted:
    • Leadership under Victor Garcia (President and CEO).
    • Expansion of capacity, strengthened community partnerships, and innovative strategies to combat hunger with emphasis on accountability and compassionate service.
  • Operational and Infrastructure Details Cited:
    • Runs a 72,000-square-foot facility in Merrillville.
    • Staffed by 34 employees; equipped with custom-built cold storage and a fleet of refrigerated trucks and vans for safe collection and distribution of donated food.
  • Service Reach and Programs (as of 2025):
    • Distributed more than 11 million pounds of food in 2025.
    • Served an average of over 60,000 individuals monthly.
    • Network includes over 150 partner non-profits, food pantries, congregate meal sites, and soup kitchens.
    • Direct service programs:
    • Mobile Market
    • The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
    • Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) providing home-delivered groceries to 1,700 seniors monthly
    • Food is Medicine initiatives in partnership with healthcare providers
    • Operation Full Pack to serve veterans
    • Homeless Street Outreach in Gary
  • Innovation and Recognition:
    • Recognized as a leader in innovation and access.
    • One of the first in the nation to launch automated refrigerated smart lockers for charitable food distribution.
    • Inducted into the Purdue Northwest Society of Innovators in 2024.
  • Workforce and Economic Impact:
    • SNAP Outreach services.
    • Partnerships with WorkOne to provide job training and certifications in warehousing and logistics.
    • Emphasis on addressing both immediate hunger and long-term economic stability, under leadership of Tricia Sheaks (VP of Operations and Community Impact).

3) Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Directly affected: The Indiana House of Representatives, which would issue the formal resolution recognizing FBNWI.
  • Indirect/Community impact: Raises awareness of FBNWI’s services and innovations among constituents, potential influence on public perception and local support for hunger-relief efforts.
  • No new regulatory or funding obligations are created by this resolution; it serves a ceremonial and commemorative function.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Sponsorship:
    • Introduced in January 2026.
    • Primary sponsor: Representative Andrade.
    • Co-sponsors include multiple Representatives (as listed in the action history).
  • Action History:
    • First reading adopted on January 27, 2026.
    • Co-authorship and sponsorship updates occurred on the same date.
  • Next Steps:
    • As a House Resolution, typical steps would include committee consideration (if applicable to the chamber’s rules for resolutions) and passage by the House. If enacted, it would be sent to the Senate and, upon approval, to the governor for signing (though resolutions often do not require gubernatorial approval unless they are memorializing law or creating programmatic actions).

5) Observations

  • The resolution highlights a robust set of programs and innovations (e.g., refrigerated smart lockers, senior home-delivery CSFP, and workforce partnerships) that position FBNWI as a model organization in hunger relief and community impact.
  • The document emphasizes both immediate hunger relief metrics (pounds distributed, individuals served) and longer-term community outcomes (economic stability via job training and SNAP outreach).

If you need a more concise one-paragraph briefing or a comparison with similar resolutions, I can provide that as well.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.