As Nebraska enters the second year of the pandemic, food insecurities have become a growing concern for many families, Food Bank for the Heartland is ramping up to meet this growing demographic.
FoodBank for the heartland is the largest food bank in Nebraska and Iowa and serves 93 counties.
According to Feeding America, a quarter-million Nebraskans are struggling with hunger and of them about 80,000 are children. These numbers have grown exponentially since the COVID-19 outbreak.
Angie Grote, communications manager for Food Bank for the Heartland stresses the need for food security as the pandemic persists.
“We’ve seen folks who never thought they’d need our services experiencing food insecurity for the first time,” she said.
The food bank has required some extra help to ensure everyone who requires assistance has access to their services.
Whether it’s volunteering or donations, for every dollar donated to the Food Bank, three meals are provided to the community.
Volunteers like Jeff Scott have stepped up to help not just the community but all areas impacted big and small.
“The urban areas get a lot of attention but we forget about the rural communities who need the support also,” he said.
All meals are distributed to food pantries, shelters, schools, soup kitchens, mobile pantries, and child nutrition programs organize distribution.
To learn more about how to get involved with FoodBank for the Heartland you can visit their website foodbankfortheheartland.org or drop off food Monday-Friday at the designated food drop-off.
