GARY | The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana received increased support in 2011.

Donations rose 24 percent last year, said Megan Sikes, the communication and advocacy manager at the food bank. Sikes said the organization distributed more than 4.7 million meals in 2011.

Smithfield Foods Co. and the United Food and Commercial Workers provided large donations to the food bank twice during the year.

They donated 30,000 pounds of pork products in April and donated the same amount in November.

Sikes is happy with the increased help, but she encourages residents to continue to donate because the amount received is not keeping pace with the need for food assistance in Northwest Indiana.

Sikes said many donations are received around the holidays in November and December but contributions are needed throughout the year. She said the biggest need comes in summer, when children are out of school.

She said some families need additional food assistance during those months because their children are not receiving lunch and other meals they normally would receive while in school.

Volunteers also are needed at the food bank.

St. John resident Christine VanderLaan volunteers there whenever she can, she said.

While packing food boxes for distribution to children, she described the opportunity as a "wonderful experience."

VanderLaan said her daughter, Faith, also comes with her occasionally, which has taught her the importance of helping those in need.

Visit www.foodbanknwi.org or call (219) 980-1777 for information about the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana and ways to help.