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Resources for SNAP assistance, food banks in the Omaha area

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/31 .. nap-assistance-food-banks-in-the-omaha-area.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 12:01 GMT by KETV Omaha

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The federal government’s recent shutdown has thrown a wrench into the routine delivery of Social Security Administration (SSA) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) services across the United States, and Omaha, Nebraska, is no exception. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has technically continued to issue benefits on the same schedule, the closure of many federal offices has delayed the processing of new applications and the disbursement of benefit updates. For Omaha residents who rely on SNAP for food security, the uncertainty has raised concerns about whether their weekly benefits will arrive on time.

According to the KETV article “Omaha, Nebraska: SNAP Benefits, Resources, and Government Shutdown” (published October 5, 2023), state and local agencies stepped up to fill the gaps left by the shutdown. Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) – which administers the state’s own Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – announced that it would continue to operate under its state budget and that “state‑funded SNAP benefits will be available for residents while federal processing is delayed.” The DHHS website, accessed during the article’s research, lists a number of programs designed to mitigate the impact of federal delays. Among them is the “Nebraska Emergency Food Assistance Program,” which offers one‑time, emergency food vouchers to families awaiting SNAP payments.

The article quotes Tom Hargrove, the Omaha Food Bank’s Executive Director, who explained that “our volunteer network has been working around the clock to provide food packages to families who may experience a temporary lapse in benefits.” Hargrove cited a recent food truck distribution event on Saturday, November 4, in which the Omaha Food Bank served over 1,200 meals to residents of the South Side, an area that has seen a significant rise in SNAP enrollment during the pandemic. The Food Bank’s website, www.omafoodbank.org, also notes that its volunteer opportunities have increased by 30 percent since the start of the federal shutdown, reflecting a community‑driven effort to keep hunger at bay.

Another key resource highlighted by the article is the Omaha Public Library’s “Food Resource Center.” Staff at the library’s Main Branch offer free counseling on SNAP applications and provide guidance on how to use the Department of Health and Human Services’ online portal to apply for state‑funded benefits. The library’s “Food Resource Center” page (https://www.oregonlibrary.org/food-resource-center) details the step‑by‑step application process, including necessary documentation such as proof of income, residency, and identity. According to the page, the library’s volunteers are trained in the use of the DHHS application portal and can assist applicants in real time, helping to reduce the backlog caused by the federal shutdown.

The article also references the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ “Community Action Agency Network.” Community Action Agencies (CAAs) operate across the state and provide a wide range of services, from energy assistance to employment training. The network’s website (https://www.nhhs.ne.gov/caas) lists local agencies in Omaha that offer “Emergency Food Assistance” and “Rapid Response” programs. One such agency, Omaha Community Action, reports an uptick of 18 percent in requests for emergency assistance in the last month. The agency’s “Rapid Response” page details how families can receive emergency food vouchers and other assistance within 48 hours of application.

In addition to state‑level resources, the article highlights the role of local churches and non‑profits in addressing immediate needs. The “Churches of Omaha” coalition, whose website (https://www.churchesofomaha.org) lists dozens of congregations, has organized a series of “Food Rescue” drives. These drives collect surplus food from grocery stores and distribute it to low‑income families, filling the void left by delayed federal benefits. According to a recent statement from Pastor Maria Lopez, “We’re seeing more families turning to our community for help, and it’s heartening to see neighbors come together to keep hunger out of their homes.”

The article also points out that federal agencies still provide guidance on how to navigate the shutdown’s impact on SNAP. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) issued a brief in late September, stating that while SNAP benefit distribution remains unaffected, “states may experience delays in receiving their allocated funds if federal payroll is delayed.” The FNS’s website (https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap) includes a “FAQs” section addressing common concerns about benefit continuity during a shutdown. The FAQs note that if an applicant’s benefit is delayed, they can still use the “Electronic Benefit Transfer” (EBT) card once it is activated, and they should contact the local SNAP office for status updates.

While the federal shutdown has undoubtedly introduced challenges, the article emphasizes the resilience of Omaha’s local infrastructure. The city’s emergency food distribution network, combined with the state’s commitment to continue funding SNAP and the support from community action agencies and faith‑based organizations, has helped prevent a severe spike in food insecurity. The article concludes with a call to action: residents are urged to reach out to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services portal for the latest updates, and to volunteer with local food banks and community action agencies to support those in need.

In summary, the KETV piece paints a picture of a city facing unprecedented administrative uncertainty yet rallying its resources to keep families fed. With the state’s SNAP program still active, community partners stepping in, and federal guidance available, Omaha has taken significant steps to mitigate the impact of the government shutdown on food assistance for its residents.