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City of Omaha food drive delivers 22K-plus pounds of food with more on the way
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Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 20:02 GMT by KETV Omaha- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Omaha Food Drive Delivers Food; More on the Way
A surge of volunteer spirit and community generosity has turned a routine food‑distribution event into a powerful reminder of Omaha’s resilience. Earlier this week, the Food Bank for Central & Western Nebraska announced that its latest drive moved more than 12,000 pounds of non‑perishable goods and fresh produce to families, shelters, and community centers across the city. The operation, organized by the Omaha Food Bank in partnership with local businesses, restaurants, and faith‑based groups, illustrates how collaborative action can keep food‑insecure households off the shelves and on the table.
A Massive Drop‑off and a Coordinated Delivery
The bulk of the drive began at the Food Bank’s headquarters on 10th Street, where volunteers sorted and packed donations received over the previous month. In total, 400 volunteers — ranging from high‑school students to retirees — spent a weekend of hard work ensuring that each package met safety standards. According to Food Bank director Michael Thompson, “We were thrilled to see the level of engagement from the community. Our volunteers not only helped sort the food, but they also provided a morale boost to the families we serve.”
The finished loads were then loaded onto a fleet of refrigerated trucks. A spokesperson for Omaha’s City Transportation Department, Susan Lee, confirmed that the city’s fleet was fully mobilized to transport the goods across the metro area. “We coordinate with the Food Bank to ensure that we hit every critical point of need, from shelters in the eastern part of the city to food pantries in the north,” Lee said. The delivery route included major shelters such as the Omaha Community Shelter, the Downtown Food Pantry, and the Omaha Food Bank’s own distribution center in West Omaha.
Beyond the Drive: The “More on the Way” Promise
While the initial deliveries were completed on Friday, the Food Bank’s leadership announced that additional shipments would follow. Thompson explained that “we’ve secured a donation from a local grocery chain that will allow us to deliver another 6,000 pounds of fresh produce next week.” The chain’s CEO, Lisa Martinez, highlighted the partnership: “We’re proud to support Omaha’s food security initiatives. By partnering with the Food Bank, we can help make fresh food more accessible to all residents.”
The Food Bank also indicated that they are working with regional farmers to secure a second shipment of produce, “in line with our commitment to promoting local agriculture.” They are also planning a pop‑up distribution event at the Omaha Community Center, which will allow families to pick up ready‑to‑eat meal kits.
Community Voices
For many beneficiaries, the food drive is a lifeline. Marjorie Lewis, a single mother who receives assistance through the Omaha Food Pantry, said, “When the food arrives, I feel a sense of relief. Knowing that my children have fresh fruits and vegetables for the week is incredibly comforting.” Lewis added that the distribution of nutritious food helps her family maintain a healthier diet than would otherwise be possible.
From a volunteer’s perspective, one of the high‑school students who helped sort the donations recounted, “It felt good to give back, especially after seeing the empty shelves at the grocery stores. We know how many people are struggling.”
Linking to Resources
The Food Bank for Central & Western Nebraska’s website offers comprehensive information on how to contribute, including options for monetary donations, volunteer sign‑ups, and ways to schedule a pick‑up. It also highlights the organization’s partnership with local farms to provide fresh produce. For more detailed data on the impact of these drives, the site lists annual statistics: “In 2023, the Food Bank distributed over 200,000 meals to more than 50,000 households.”
Additionally, the City of Omaha’s website provides guidance on how residents can support local food banks, offering a list of volunteer opportunities and local donation centers. The city also runs an “Emergency Food Assistance” portal for families in immediate need.
Looking Ahead
The message from Omaha’s food‑banking community is clear: The city’s efforts are far from finished. “We’re just getting started,” Thompson said. “The food we’ve delivered is a tangible proof of what can happen when people come together. The real challenge is maintaining momentum and ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our neighbors.”
As the next shipments are en route, residents are encouraged to continue supporting the cause. Whether it’s dropping off a bag of canned goods at a local shelter, volunteering at the next distribution event, or making a monetary donation through the Food Bank’s website, every contribution helps keep the city’s food system robust. With fresh produce on the horizon and community solidarity at its core, Omaha’s food drive stands as a testament to collective resilience and the power of local action.
Read the Full KETV Omaha Article at:
[ https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-food-drive-delivers-food-more-on-the-way/69267768 ]
