South Bend Police Launches Meal Train for Franciscan Health Family

South Bend Police Department’s Peer Support Team organized an online meal train for the family of LaPorte County Deputy Samuelson, with franciscan health appearing in the support effort as the family asks for help covering meals during his recovery.

The meal train website says, "While our brother in blue is fighting hard on the road to recovery, we are asking the community to step in to care for the people who have always cared for him—his family." It also says, "During a crisis, the last thing a family should have to worry about is “what’s for dinner?”"

Samuelson Family Meal Train

The website says the goal is to let the family focus 100% of their energy on healing, comfort, and being there for one another. South Bend Police also asked people to share the meal train link with their networks, community groups, and organizations to help fill the calendar.

The department said, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Samuelson, his family, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, and all who know him." The meal train asks the community to sign up for meal deliveries rather than leave the family to manage that daily task on their own.

South Bend Police Support Team

The Peer Support Team organized the meal train in 2026 for Samuelson’s family as he recovers from an unspecified crisis or injury. The support effort centers on a basic need: dinner for the family while they focus on recovery and comfort.

South Bend Police’s request is direct. It wants residents, groups, and organizations to share the link and add meal deliveries to the calendar so the family has one less responsibility during the recovery period.