THE DISH SUMMER 2024
HERE FOR THE HEARTLAND Food Bank for the Heartland has been operating in crisis mode since the floods of 2019. And on April 26th, 2024—mother nature produced another crisis—forcing neighbors in several communities to face a stark new reality. Together with first responders and our partners, we’re providing food, support, and hope in the face of disaster. We know—now more than ever—that each of us is just one situation away from needing food assistance. That situation could be the loss of a job, a medical emergency, or a tornado. We will continue to be “Here for the Heartland” during times of great need—offering consistent access to healthy foods through our community partnerships. The Food Bank staff has visited several communities across our service area recently to learn more about the various barriers neighbors are facing. Julie, a resident of Atlantic, Iowa lost her job three months ago. The mother of three says the Atlantic Food Pantry has been a blessing during her darkest times. “I’ve had to go without meals so the kids could eat. I’d rather them go to bed with something in their stomach.” While Julie’s job loss forced her to need food assistance, other Heartland neighbors can’t afford the high cost of everyday essentials, despite the job they have. A Bellevue resident visiting our SchoolBased Mobile Pantry recently told us, “I have four kids and it’s just not possible with the price of groceries. This is my first time here and it’s great.”
OUR MISSION
They don’t look down on you for needing food. They know my name and my story, and that’s the great part about living in a small community. — Julie We also spoke with a gentleman visiting a drivethrough pantry in western Iowa who shared that he doesn’t qualify for SNAP. “With the high cost of medications we need to pay for, every month we need to decide—do we want to eat, or do we want to live?” Neighbors in every county across Nebraska and western Iowa are making unthinkable decisions every day. Through the tenacity and generosity of our communities, we can face these challenges together. At Food Bank for the Heartland, the success of our mission depends on the generosity of people like you. As Heartland neighbors face more challenges, your continued support is critical. Visit FoodBankHeartland.org today to take the next step toward ending food insecurity in our communities.
To eliminate hunger in the Heartland by ensuring consistent access to healthy foods through community partnerships.