United Way of Allen County partners with Salsa Grille to kick off 6th Annual Community Food Drive beginning Monday, February 16th.

FORT WAYNE (February 13, 2026) – United Way of Allen County is hosting its 6th annual Community Food Drive from February 16 – March 3, 2026. This event is sponsored by Meijer, Chuck and Tammy Yeaser, USW Local 715, Barnes & Thornburg, Bowen Health, PHP, Jill & Samuel Boggs, AID of Indiana, Northeast Indiana AFL-CIO, Salsa Grille, Stephanie and Joel Crandall, and Fort Wayne Newspapers.

Three local food banks will benefit from the food drive: Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County, Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, and Miss Virginia’s Food Pantry. As the cost of basic needs continues to rise, more households are struggling. This annual food drive is one of the many ways United Way is working to reduce food insecurity, and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community.

“Food is more than nourishment—it’s how families connect. Following the holidays and amid a SNAP disruption, this food drive helps families continue to share meals together, easing stress and reinforcing the sense of community that is essential to long-term stability.” said Brandi Buck, Executive Director of United Way of Allen County.

United Way will continue their partnership with Salsa Grille to encourage the community to donate nonperishable food items at any Salsa Grille location in Fort Wayne. Due to the increased demand, Common Grounds Coffeehouse located at 909 Main Street in New Haven will also serve as a public drop-off location to further engage and support local efforts through food donations.

Additionally, United Way is collaborating with 36 community partner organizations for an internal food drive collection benefiting Allen County. The goal is to surpass last year’s total of nearly 10,000 pounds of food.

A grocery list of suggested items can be found on our website: www.unitedwayallencounty.org/food-drive

Public Site Locations:

• Salsa Grille North – 7755 Coldwater Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
• Salsa Grille Northeast – 5709 YMCA Pk. Dr W, Fort Wayne, IN 46835
• Salsa Grille Coventry – 5735 Falls Dr., Fort Wayne, IN 46804
• Salsa Grille Taqueria (George’s International Market) – 2031 Broadway, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
• Common Grounds Coffeehouse – 909 Main Street, New Haven, IN 46774

Food donations needed are canned meat/protein, peanut butter, canned beans, boxed dinners, rice, pasta, and cereal. These items must be unopened, non-perishable, not homemade, not expired, and not in glass containers. You can also make a monetary donation to the Community Food Drive by visiting www.unitedwayallencounty.org/food-drive or by texting FOOD26 to 41444. If you have any questions, please email volunteer@uwacin.org.

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About United Way of Allen County

Established in 1922, United Way of Allen County works to cultivate and advance community solutions that change the lives of families and individuals who are working hard but struggling to survive. Through advocacy, agency investments, collaborative initiatives, and volunteerism, we will boldly impact critical community issues in Allen County. For more information, please visit www.unitedwayallencounty.org.