For the last ten years, many residents of LaPorte County have been organizing Operation Feed LaPorte County. In 2024, the organization became an official 501c3 and the first board was formed.
Operation Feed LaPorte County has made it their mission to purchase 4-H livestock to provide quality protein in their communities. In 2023, 29 food pantries were helped with just over 5,000 pounds of meat donated from the LaPorte County 4-H Livestock Auction.
The group was formed in 2013 when Catherine Mrozinski, Senior Credit Analyst for 1st Source Bank, purchased the Grand Champion Carcass Lamb at the fair auction. She, on behalf of 1st Source Bank, decided to donate the meat purchased to a local food pantry. This continues today. Over the last few years, more individuals, companies, and non-for-profits have joined in resulting in an annual event at the fairgrounds every August to disburse the meat to food pantries, shelters and organizations in need.
The plan for 2024 is to invite all companies, doctors, and individuals within LaPorte County to consider donating to Operation Feed LaPorte County to ensure more 4-Her’s can be supported and more communities can be helped.
Operation Feed LaPorte County’s first ever board includes: President, Catherine Mrozinski; Vice-President, Jeff Mitzner; Secretary, Kelsey Guadarrama; Treasurer, Cathy Homan; and Board Members Hannah Crowl, Anita Freels, Brett Kessler, Staci Mrozinski, Mark Parkman, Nancy Parkman, Brittany Smith, Whitney England, and Don Stoner.
The Board would like to thank our 2023 donors: LaPorte County Farm Bureau, LaPorte County Agricultural Association (LPCAA), 1st Source Bank, Mark & Nancy Parkman, Burek Farms, The Old Sheep Farm, S&B Kessler, CLH CPA’s and Associates, CompressAir, Affordable Bio Control, Mary Spiess, Sampson Beef LLC, Sims Meat Processing, The Jason & Sarah Ott Family, Vanick Farms, Purdue Extension Homemakers, SEM Belgians, Don & Bonnie Stoner, LaPorte County Farm Bureau Insurance, and LaPorte County Assessor Mike Schlutz.
