On Monday, popular food influencer and philanthropist Keith Lee teamed up with the Salvation Army and the city of Gary to support relief efforts in northwest Indiana. The region has faced two weeks without power after severe storms struck on August 11, uprooting sidewalks, snapping trees, and leaving debris scattered.
Lee, originally from Detroit and now based in Texas, gained fame for his straightforward food reviews. He announced the partnership in a social media video on Friday, revealing that his planned food tour turned into a relief mission upon learning of the crisis in Gary.
Discussing the shift in focus, Lee remarked on Monday, “How were we going to do a food festival in the Midwest while Gary has no power and nobody was talking about it?” His significant influence was apparent, with 17 million followers on TikTok and several million on Instagram. Lee regularly tours cities, reviewing local cuisine, and his endorsements often generate attention for small businesses.
In Gary, residents lined up to receive one of 2,000 relief kits containing cleaning supplies and essentials. Volunteers distributed sandwiches, chips, and drinks, while Lee contributed $15,000 to the cause, matched by a donation from Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. A community event occurred at Roosevelt High School, transforming the area into a vibrant gathering with food trucks and music.
The relief effort was organized swiftly, thanks to the collaboration of local vendors and community groups. Sylvia Martin, director of planning and zoning for Gary, emphasized the community’s role in organizing the event. Across from the Salvation Army’s setup, Gary residents formed lines for free meals served by local businesses.
Residents and vendors, like Marshawna Kendrick with Pineapple Paradise, participated despite challenges from storm damage. Other local businesses, including home-based bakeries and nonprofits, supported the event by providing food and essentials.
Despite gradual restoration of power in northwest Indiana, Gary remains severely affected, with over 7,000 homes without electricity as of Monday. Christine Jones, a local resident, highlighted disparities in power restoration efforts, noting racial disparities. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 76% of Gary’s population is Black.
Jones’s power was restored Sunday night after weeks without electricity. She recounted the struggles of living without lights, stating, “It has been hell on earth.” The lack of accessible stores and resources compounded the difficulty, forcing residents like Jones to travel further for basic needs.
City efforts included a day shelter at YWCA Northwest Indiana, offering showers and charging stations for over 400 residents daily. Volunteers like Dora Rogers, without electricity themselves, helped coordinate relief efforts. Rogers, a fan of Lee, appreciated his role in drawing attention to Gary, stating, “Watching his videos got me through COVID.”
Reflecting on the situation, Rogers highlighted the community’s resilience. “The magnitude of this storm and this destruction was unprecedented,” she said. “But we came together and if this is what it took to bring us here, I’ll take it.”