Lunch Means More with The League

Lunch on the Square is back for its 18th season—presented by Downtown Fort Wayne and Drive & Shine—and with it comes the return of the Lunch Means More initiative, where 15% of sales from select food trucks will be donated to this year’s nonprofit recipient: The League. That means every bite you take is a chance to give back.

Not familiar with The League? They’re a Fort Wayne-based center for independent living that has been advocating for people with disabilities for over 70 years—working to ensure that every person can achieve equality, gain choice and control over their lives, and live with the independence and inclusion they deserve. Their approach is rooted in empowerment: they meet people where they are, build goals with them, and never require anyone to “prove” their disability to access support.

Here’s a look at some of the ways The League is showing up for our neighbors:

Independent Living: The League helps people with disabilities develop the personal skills and support systems they need to remain in their homes and communities, from adaptive equipment and specialized referrals, to blind and low vision support and skills training. This means that everyone, of every ability, gets a chance at a dignified, quality life.

DeafLink: With more than 22,000 people who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing in Northeast Indiana, DeafLink works to increase independence and self-sufficiency through advocacy, sign language education, interpretation services, and community outreach rooted in Deaf culture. Through The League’s DeafLink program, you can request an interpreter, take free ASL classes, and more. See their website to sign up for a class, request support, or read more about the DeafLink program.  

HomeCare+: For people who need support at home, HomeCare+ provides in-home assistance—from household tasks and personal care to mobility support and respite care—so people can stay safely where they feel most at home, no matter their age or ability levels. Through the League’s HomeCare+ program, you can request care services and explore financial assistance options. See their website for more on eligibility and scope of in-home services they provide. 

Benefit Enrollment Center: Many people with disabilities and limited incomes aren’t aware of all the benefits available to them. The League’s Benefit Enrollment Center connects Medicare beneficiaries to programs that help cover healthcare costs, groceries, prescription payments, and utility bills. Visit their website to learn more about how The League can help you navigate federal assistance programs.

The Inclusion Institute: In addition to providing services, The League is dedicated to driving systemic change for people with disabilities across Northeast Indiana. Rather than focusing solely on individual services, the Inclusion Institute works from the outside in: training and empowering people with disabilities to become advocates, board members, and community leaders who can shape the policies and systems that affect their lives. Through its Leadership Academy and strategic partnerships across government, housing, transportation, and employment sectors, the Inclusion Institute is building an expanding network of voices committed to making Fort Wayne—and the entire region—a true model for inclusion and equity.

So how does Lunch Means More work?

Thanks to the generous support of matching partner Barnes & Thornburg, 15% of sales from select food trucks each week at Lunch on the Square are donated directly to The League. That means when you grab lunch downtown on Thursdays, you’re not just feeding yourself—you’re helping fund independence and inclusion for people right here in Fort Wayne.

“As we celebrate the fourth season of Lunch Means More, we’re proud to continue partnering with Barnes & Thornburg to support organizations making a meaningful impact in our community,” said Preston Wallace, Director of Marketing for Downtown Fort Wayne. “One of the things we love most about Lunch on the Square is its ability to bring people together while also giving back. The League has made a tremendous impact across northeast Indiana, and we’re honored to recognize their work and help share their story with the thousands of people who attend Lunch on the Square each summer.”

Lunch on the Square runs every other Thursday through July 30 (more on Lunch on the Square here). Come hungry, bring a friend, and know that this season, lunch means even more thanks to the partnership with The League and Barnes & Thornburg. 

Learn more about The League and their work at the-league.org.