Indiana’s food banks are in critical need of volunteers. The state is putting out a call for help ahead of the end of the month – when the need increases significantly.

The Indiana National Guard deployed members to the state’s 13 regional charitable food distribution sites around the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. But their temporary, six-month deployment ends Sept. 30, leaving food banks with a huge gap in their workforce needs. And the increased demand for food hasn’t waned as the pandemic continues.

Hoosiers interested in volunteering can sign up at OperationFood.IN.gov. They’ll be matched with the food bank in their area to coordinate assignments.

More than 200 people have signed up in the first few days since the state’s call went out. Indiana is hoping to get 600 to 700 volunteers.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.