LAPORTE – It wasn’t a military operation but one to help feed the hungry throughout LaPorte County. Operation Feed LaPorte County recently distributed over 5,000 pounds of meat to 29 LaPorte County food pantries and other agencies.
The amount of meat nearly doubled last year’s amount.
The meat came from animals shown by LaPorte County 4-H’ers who then auctioned them off during the LaPorte County Fair in July.
Operation Feed LaPorte County’s roots began ten years ago when LaPorte County resident Catherine Mrozinski’s vision to help feed a few blossomed into the organization that helps feed many throughout LaPorte County.
In 2014, Mrozinski was part of a team from First Source Bank who would bid on the animals. She suggested if they were buying the animals “why not do something for the community?” The bank’s president gave her the green light to buy the animals and donate the meat to the community where the 4-H’er resided. She said a lamb, goat, and pig were purchased.
“I wanted to get it to the people who needed it, those who utilize the local churches and township food pantries,” said Mrozinski, a member of St. John Kanty.
Two years later, Mrozinski, a LaPorte County Fair Board member, was able to get fellow board member, Mark Parkman on board “and it spiraled from there.” More and more people, businesses, and organizations jumped on board until eventually Operation Feed LaPorte County was born.
“It’s amazing so many people can come together and make sure people who need food or assistance can get it. There are so many moving parts to the whole thing. It’s like a well-oiled machine,” said volunteer Cathy Homan as she watched the nearly 30 volunteers disperse food on Aug. 22 at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds. “I can’t imagine the number of people who have been impacted because of her idea 10 years ago.”
This year seven beef cows, seven pigs, 12 lambs, two goats and about 50 chickens, geese and ducks were ground into one-pound packages by Sims Meat Processing in Kingsbury.
Parkman, a LaPorte County farmer and LaPorte County Farm Bureau president, noted all the smiling faces on disbursement day.
“We had 29 food pantries that day,” he said. “That’s a lot of smiles on their faces. When they give that food to the people who need it, it’s going to change their week(with) the smiles they’re going to get in return.”
Parkman, who is a member of St. Mary in Otis with his wife Nancy, added, “this is an opportunity to help our 4-H youth and help the people in need.”
He credited Mrozinski for her efforts. “You can’t say enough about Catherine and the time and effort she puts in. It wouldn’t happen without Catherine.”
In addition to the meat, 6,260 pounds of nonperishable food was dispersed. The food was collected during fair week as part of the Stock the Trailer, Fight the Hunger competition.
Burek Farms donated $1,500 worth of produce that included cantaloupe, watermelon, sweetcorn, beans, peppers and beets. Abby Burek, a third-generation family farmer, said the family tries to donate as much as they can to not-for-profit and small organizations.
The family are parishioners of Holy Family Parish.
“We feel blessed to help out the community. I’ve always had a soft spot for helping the hungry and homeless,” said Burek. “As a family-owned farm, giving to Operation Feed LaPorte County is like we’re feeding family.”
Weston Frazier, 14-years-old, is a six year 4-H member who showed sheep, pig, and goats this year. He sold two sheep, a pig, and a goat – all that went to Operation Feed LaPorte County. He was also present for the distribution. “I was very impressed and excited to see how many pantries there were, and that the food was going to a good cause. I didn’t think being part of 4-H would have as big of an impact as it does.”
LaPorte County farmer Matt Schafer stated it’s not always easy for the young 4-H’ers when it comes to selling their animals. Schafer’s 10-year-old son, Lucas, sold one of his steers for the Operation.
“It’s always tough for these kids who work with these animals for so long to say goodbye to an animal they’ve become attached to,” said the member of St. Martin of Tours in LaCrosse. “One thing that softened the blow is knowing that not only was that animal going to be food for someone, but knowing it was going to someone who needed a hand. He knows St. Vincent DePaul is very active in our communities. That made him feel quite a bit better.”
Schafer, who is also a LaPorte County Farm Bureau board member, explained the need for help is in all communities, big and small. “You realize this concept of need. We have a very local viewpoint at times. When you hear about people talking about need, we think of it in more populated, urban areas, but that need does exist in small communities as well. Knowing there are organizations out there helping in the large and small communities, it’s a good feeling to be part of something like that.”
Suzanne Sharp, who heads up Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph’s St. Vincent DePaul’s Food Pantry with her husband, Dick, was grateful for the food, especially the meat. She said it’s been a while since they’ve received meat. “What a blessing. It meant a lot to us being able to give fresh meat away and the extra canned goods come in handy. Donations are down and the cost of groceries is going up.”
Holy Family Parish-Sacred Heart Food Pantry was one of the recipients as well. “We were blessed to receive fresh produce, fresh frozen meats, canned goods, and bottled water. The generosity of our farmers, 4-H families, and so many local companies has filled our freezer,” said Carol Bardon, a member of the food pantry and Holy Family parishioner. “We hope this will be a yearly event. It's wonderful to be able to share the generosity with our clients.”
The group also volunteered with Stock the Trailer.
Mrozinski gave credit to all those involved and was “super excited” by the amount of food handed out. “I think it’s awesome. I come from a family who helped others. We understand people may have some bad days, that’s what we want to help with.”
Faith is the basis for everything according to Mrozinski. “We want to help others because it’s the right thing to do. It’s the Godly thing to do.”
Caption: Volunteers load packages of ground meat into vehicles during Operation Feed LaPorte County's distribution pickup on Aug. 22 at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds. (Bob Wellinski photo)