THE DISH WINTER 2025
CHILDHOOD HUNGER RATES ARE ON THE RISE Members of the Food Bank’s executive team, including President and CEO, Brian Barks, recently traveled to northeastern Nebraska to meet with our partners, gain a deeper understanding of how hunger is affecting the region, and discuss how to collectively best serve our communities during this critical time. The team had the opportunity to meet with partners deploying various programs and services in Platte, Madison, and Knox counties. The Platte County visit included a meeting with Robert Hausmann, Principal of North Park Elementary School in Columbus. Robert expressed his gratitude for the Food Bank’s BackPack Program, as he sees how hunger affects his students.
“More than 70% of our students receive free and reduced lunch, and many don’t speak Eng lish. How can we expect them to hit developmental milestones if they are facing hunger? This prog ram is critical.” According to Feeding America’s 2024 “Map the Meal Gap” report (based 2022 data), Platte County saw a more than 50% increase in the number of individuals experiencing food insecurity and a staggering 68% increase in the number of children facing hunger over the previous year. This increase places extra demand on the Food Bank’s programs. During the ‘23–24 academic year, the Food Bank’s BackPack Program distributed more than 1.2 million nutritious weekend meals across 245 schools. Due to the rising trend in childhood hunger, the Food Bank recently expanded the program. This academic year, more than 1.3 million meals will be distributed through the program, with 8,700 students across the
OUR MISSION
Calib Miller, VP of Community Impact, Kelly Ptacek, VP of External Affairs, and Brian Barks, President & CEO, meet with Principal Hausmann
Heartland receiving BackPack meals each week (up from 8,400 last year). In addition, BackPack items have been updated to include more brand-name foods and more appetizing items for children. Feedback from students and parents, as well as insightful conversations with educators like Robert, led to these strategic program enhancements. Thanks to community support, more students are now receiving greater access to healthy food. As food insecurity levels remain high, so does the need for additional support. We are beyond grateful to our Network Partners, community volunteers, and everyone who contributes to the BackPack Program. Thank you for empowering neighbors, supporting children and families, and building stronger, more resilient communities every day. Scan the QR code or visit FoodBankHeartland.org/BackPack to make a gift today and provide food and hope to families in need.
To eliminate hunger in the Heartland by ensuring consistent access to healthy foods through community partnerships.