Pontiac Street Market hosting third annual Pack 2 School event

Event brings free supplies, services and entertainment to Pontiac Street

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - July 24, 2026 - Pontiac Street Market, 918 E. Pontiac Street, will host its third annual Pack 2 School event on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The yearly back-to-school event brings a wide range of free items and services on a first-come, first-served basis to attendees, as well as offer fun activities and entertainment to Pontiac Street.

Parkview Health providers will be on site to provide free physicals for students, while attendees can also grab free items including backpacks and school supplies, socks, hygiene bags, as well as a back-to-school haircut or styling. Multiple community nonprofits and vendors will also be on site providing information and giveaways.

Free food and beverages and entertainment, including live music, bounce houses, face painting and kids' activities, will also be available.

To take advantage of the services at Pack 2 School, registration is required before the event. On-site registration will be limited. Parents can sign up online at https://engage.cityoffortwayne.org/pack-to-school through July 30.

"The Pontiac Street Market was founded not just to provide healthy food to the Pontiac Street neighborhood, but to become a hub for the community," said LaQueisha Brown, general manager, Pontiac Street Market. "Pack 2 School is a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors, have some fun and get equipped to launch into a new school year. We're thankful for all of the community support that has helped us bring this event back for its third year."

The Pontiac Street Market was developed as a cooperative venture between Parkview Health and the City of Fort Wayne to bring healthy groceries and services to the Pontiac Street neighborhood. Opened in fall 2023, the market is operated by Sodexo, Parkview's food services vendor, and hosts community events throughout the year.

Earlier this year, the Pontiac Street Market was awarded a Creative Choice Merchandising Award by the National Grocers Association, recognizing the Pack 2 School program in its Community Engagement category.

Sponsors of this year's Pack 2 School event include: Parkview Health, City of Fort Wayne, the Parkview Health Foundation, Midwest Federal Credit Union, Lassus, Miss Jessie's Hair Care, Olive Garden, Science Central, Putt-Putt Fun Center, Local Food Network, Combat Ops, Salon Professionals Academy, Three Rivers Barricade, Meijer, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Keurig Dr. Pepper, Albanese Candy, All Occasions, Frito Lay, Changing Footprint, World Literacy Foundation, Fort Wayne Metals, Alpha Baking, Ecolab, Bubba's 33, Half Price Books, Costco, DKM Embroidery, Kona Ice and Art Me Party.