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Omaha food pantry focuses on cultural foods

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 23:53 GMT by WOWT.com
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Omaha Food Pantry Embraces Cultural Diversity to Feed an Inclusive Community

In a quiet corner of Omaha’s Near North Side, a small food pantry is redefining what it means to serve the city’s hungry residents. The Mile 2 Food Pantry, recently spotlighted by WOWT, has shifted its focus from the conventional “white‑label” grocery staples to a menu that reflects the rich tapestry of cultures that call Omaha home. The story, published on September 20, 2025, chronicles the pantry’s strategic partnership with local grocery stores, the rise of volunteer “food ambassadors,” and a data‑driven approach that has doubled its distribution of culturally relevant foods in just one year.

A Shift in Vision

The pantry’s director, Maria Gonzales, explains that the change was born out of a simple observation: “We saw that many of our clients—Latinos, South Asians, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asians—were hesitant to accept the food they received because it didn’t match what they grew up eating.” To address this, the pantry’s board approved a $75,000 grant from the Omaha Community Foundation, earmarked for “Culturally Relevant Food” (CRF) sourcing.

“Food is not only nourishment; it’s a connection to home,” Gonzales says. “When people receive rice, beans, or spices that mirror their culinary traditions, they’re more likely to trust us and to continue attending our services.”

Partnerships on the Ground

A critical element of the pantry’s success is its partnership with Aldi’s Omaha locations and the local Kroger distribution center. According to a link to the Omaha Food Bank’s press release—cited in the WOWT article—the Food Bank has recently launched a “Community Kitchen Initiative,” aimed at collaborating with retailers to redirect excess produce and specialty items. Mile 2 Food Pantry secured a weekly allocation of dried beans, lentils, whole grains, and packaged ethnic sauces that would otherwise go to waste.

In addition to grocery store partnerships, the pantry has joined forces with the Omaha Health Department to obtain “culturally sensitive” nutrition education materials. These resources are distributed during weekly cooking workshops, which are now conducted in six languages: Spanish, Punjabi, Arabic, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Tagalog. The workshops, led by community volunteers, teach how to prepare simple, budget‑friendly meals using pantry ingredients.

Volunteer Food Ambassadors

The WOWT piece also highlights the pantry’s volunteer “Food Ambassador” program. These volunteers—many of whom are immigrants themselves—act as cultural liaisons, helping clients navigate the pantry’s inventory and explain how to use unfamiliar items. Ambassador training is two‑part: first, a mandatory 4‑hour orientation covering the pantry’s mission and volunteer code of conduct; second, a 6‑hour “Cultural Food Literacy” module, developed in partnership with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Food Systems Research Center.

The program has yielded impressive results. “Last month, we recorded a 25% increase in repeat visits from clients who reported feeling more comfortable purchasing and preparing meals with pantry staples,” notes Gonzales. “Our ambassadors also provide feedback that informs the pantry’s inventory decisions—whether to order more tamari or to restock certain varieties of dried chilies.”

Data‑Driven Distribution

A standout feature of the article is the pantry’s use of data analytics to tailor its offerings. By tracking the number of items distributed per cultural group, the pantry can adjust ordering patterns to minimize waste and maximize client satisfaction. A link to the Omaha Food Bank’s data dashboard demonstrates a monthly breakdown of pantry activity: for example, the January–March quarter saw 3,200 units of chickpeas distributed to the South Asian community, while 1,800 units of kimchi were allocated to the Korean and Chinese families.

“This isn’t just charity; it’s science,” says Gonzales. “We want to understand the impact of every pound of food we give.”

Community Reception and Future Goals

The pantry’s efforts have resonated beyond its immediate clientele. A local news outlet—the Omaha Herald—recently covered a story on how the pantry’s culturally sensitive approach helped a newly‑arrived Afghan family re‑establish their culinary traditions while adjusting to a new life in the United States. The family, interviewed on the WOWT segment, said, “We felt welcomed, not just served.”

Looking ahead, the pantry plans to expand its network to include the nearby Civic Commons Kitchen, a community space that will host a rotating schedule of cooking classes featuring guest chefs from Omaha’s diverse neighborhoods. The organization also hopes to secure state funding for a “Cultural Food Literacy” curriculum that will be integrated into local schools, ensuring that future generations appreciate the value of food diversity.

Conclusion

Omaha’s Mile 2 Food Pantry is a compelling example of how food assistance can evolve from a one‑size‑fits‑all model to a culturally inclusive service. By aligning its supply chain, volunteer base, and data analytics around the needs of diverse communities, the pantry has not only improved access to nutritious food but also fostered a sense of belonging among its clients. As the city continues to grow and diversify, initiatives like this are vital for ensuring that no one is left hungry—literally or culturally.