LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — Food Finders Food Bank is extending its pantry operations thanks to a new partnership. The non-profit is now offering a "food box" full of nutritious items.

The USDA has been working with large food corporations to re-route food that would have gone to restaurants. Instead of letting it go to waste, they've created food boxes to be donated to food pantries.

Inside the box are perishables like fresh produce, dairies, and meats. Food Finders CEO Katy Bunder said it's a great addition to what they've already been offering.

"A lot of what we've had available for people has been non-perishable foods, so canned and boxed food tuna instead of frozen chicken for example, and so now we'll have all of that available and we also have other government foods so we have a lot of healthy fresh food available for people and we want them to come out and pick it up," said Bunder.

These boxes will be available through the food banks' drive-through pantry as well as its mobile pantry.  

Food Finders Chief Engagement Officer Kier Crites said this partnership came at a much needed time.

"When COVID first hit in mid-march we kind of just decided, you know, we need to just make sure that we're continuing to serve people in the best way that we can and looking at unemployment and what those things look like we're trying to make sure we get as much food available out there," said Crites.

Boxes range from 20-50 Ibs of food. Bunder said boxes will vary in products depending on what food is available each week.

Click here for Food Finders drive-through distribution days and operation hours and here for the mobile pantry.