N※N

Metro-area food pantries warn 'perfect storm' will further increase need

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/25 .. rn-perfect-storm-will-further-increase-need.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 16:47 GMT by KETV Omaha
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

2025-10-25 299 x 168 / 11838 Bytes

2025-10-25 300 x 168 / 10023 Bytes

2025-10-25 300 x 168 / 5222 Bytes

2025-10-08 312 x 120 / 4831 Bytes

Omaha Food Pantries Warn of Rising Need Amid Economic Strain

In recent weeks, Omaha’s food assistance community has sounded a clear warning: the demand for pantry services is climbing at a pace that outstrips the capacity of local providers. The announcement came during a community briefing hosted by the Nebraska Food Bank, which highlighted how inflation, housing costs, and lingering pandemic‑era disruptions are driving more families into food insecurity. The briefing underscored a 25 % increase in the number of individuals and families seeking help compared to the same period last year, and a 15 % rise in the average food baskets distributed at participating pantries.

Key Findings from the Nebraska Food Bank Report

The Nebraska Food Bank’s 2024 Community Needs Assessment—released at the briefing—offers a data‑rich snapshot of the state of food insecurity in Omaha and the surrounding counties. According to the assessment:

• Total households served: 7,800, up from 6,300 in 2023.
• Individuals receiving food assistance: 22,000, a 19 % increase.
• Number of pantry visits: 35,000, reflecting a 20 % rise in foot traffic.
• Average pantry basket size: 12.3 items, unchanged from last year.

The assessment also identifies specific demographic groups that are experiencing the sharpest upticks. Low‑income single parents, seniors on fixed incomes, and households with children under five are reporting higher rates of unmet food needs. Many respondents noted that the cost of groceries—particularly fresh produce—has surged beyond their budget, forcing them to rely more heavily on pantry resources.

Voices from the Community

The briefing featured statements from several key stakeholders:

• Mayor Jean St. John emphasized that municipal efforts must keep pace with the expanding need. “Omaha is committed to ensuring that no resident goes hungry. We will be collaborating with the Nebraska Food Bank to secure additional funding and streamline outreach,” she said.

• Shannon Carter, Executive Director of the Omaha Food Bank spoke about operational challenges. “We’ve had to double our volunteer recruitment efforts, expand our inventory sourcing, and negotiate larger donation agreements with local supermarkets to keep our shelves stocked,” she noted.

• Mara Patel, director of the City of Omaha’s Housing and Homeless Services highlighted the interconnection between housing instability and food insecurity. “Many of the families we see are also dealing with rising rents and utility costs. Addressing food needs without tackling the root causes of financial strain will only provide a temporary fix,” she explained.

The Role of Volunteers and Donations

The Nebraska Food Bank’s outreach has also spotlighted the crucial role of volunteers and corporate partnerships. Since the start of 2024, the food bank has mobilized over 1,200 new volunteers to assist with packing, distribution, and administrative tasks. Corporate donors, including major grocery chains such as Walmart and Aldi, have stepped up their contributions, providing both monetary support and fresh produce donations.

The briefing’s data indicated that the average donation value per household has increased by 8 % since 2023, a trend that aligns with the rising demand for higher‑quality, nutrient‑dense food items. However, despite this uptick, the food bank’s inventory still falls short of the peak demand months, especially during the winter season when heating costs also pressure household budgets.

Community Response and Advocacy

Local advocacy groups are calling for expanded policy measures to mitigate food insecurity. The Omaha Coalition for Food Access, a nonprofit coalition of food banks, faith‑based organizations, and community groups, has drafted a proposal for the city council. The proposal includes:

1. Increased funding for pantry operations: A request for $150,000 in municipal budget allocations to cover staffing, storage, and transportation.
2. Housing‑food partnership programs: Initiatives to pair housing assistance with food assistance, such as rent‑to‑food vouchers.
3. Nutrition education: Expansion of cooking classes and nutritional guidance for pantry clients, to help them stretch limited resources.

How to Get Involved

The Nebraska Food Bank and its partner organizations are actively seeking ways to involve the broader community. Key avenues for support include:

• Volunteer opportunities: Sign‑ups are available for both food packaging and distribution shifts, as well as administrative tasks like data entry and donor outreach.
• Monetary donations: Online giving platforms and scheduled monthly contributions are accepted, with tax‑deductible receipts provided.
• Food drives: Local businesses and schools are encouraged to host donation drives, particularly for canned goods, dry staples, and fresh produce.

The Omaha Food Bank’s online portal (accessible via [ https://www.nefoodbank.org ]) offers a detailed breakdown of pantry locations, hours, and the specific types of food assistance available. Users can also sign up for volunteer shifts directly through the website’s “Get Involved” section.

Looking Ahead

As Omaha and the wider Nebraska region grapple with the lingering economic aftershocks of the pandemic, the food assistance network remains on alert. The Nebraska Food Bank’s forthcoming quarterly report—scheduled for release in March 2025—will assess whether the recent influx of support and policy initiatives are beginning to stabilize pantry usage. In the meantime, city officials, nonprofits, and residents are urged to collaborate, ensuring that Omaha’s most vulnerable populations have reliable access to safe, nutritious food.

By 2025, the combined efforts of municipal leadership, nonprofit partners, and community volunteers will be crucial in turning the tide against the rising need that has now become an urgent public health concern for Omaha.