The Food Bank of Lincoln: Nourishing Our Community, One Meal at a Time

Introduction

Access to nutritious food is fundamental to human well-being, but unfortunately, hunger and food insecurity continue to plague our communities. The Food Bank of Lincoln (FBL) stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against hunger, working tirelessly to provide sustenance to those in need.

The Magnitude of Food Insecurity

According to Feeding America, over 40 million people in the United States struggle with food insecurity. In Lincoln, the situation is particularly concerning:

• 1 in 5 children live in food-insecure households.
• 30,000+ people rely on food pantries and meal programs each year.

The Food Bank of Lincoln: A Lifeline for the Hungry

Established in 1983, the FBL has been at the forefront of the fight against hunger for over three decades. As the largest food bank in Nebraska, the FBL distributes over 10 million pounds of food annually to more than 400 partner organizations, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and schools.

How the Food Bank Operates

The FBL operates through a network of partnerships and programs:

• Food Drives: The FBL organizes numerous food drives throughout the year, collecting non-perishable food items from the community.
• Food Rescue: The FBL partners with local retailers and distributors to rescue surplus food that would otherwise go to waste.
• Food Distributions: The FBL distributes food to its partner organizations, which then provide it to individuals and families in need.
• Nutrition Education: The FBL offers nutrition education programs to help people make healthy choices on a limited budget.

The Impact of the Food Bank

The impact of the FBL's work is profound:

• Feeding the Hungry: The FBL provides over 100,000 meals each month to food-insecure individuals and families.
• Reducing Food Waste: The FBL rescues approximately 2 million pounds of food from waste each year.
• Supporting Local Businesses: The FBL purchases food from local farmers and businesses, boosting the local economy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When supporting the FBL, it's important to avoid these common mistakes:

• Donating only canned goods: While canned goods are valuable, the FBL also needs nutritious fresh produce, protein, and dairy products.
• Donating expired or damaged food: Expired or damaged food cannot be distributed to families in need.
• Donating food that is not needed: The FBL relies on donations that meet the specific needs of the community. Call or check their website before donating.

How to Step-by-Step Support the Food Bank

Supporting the FBL is easy and rewarding:

1. Donate Food: Drop off non-perishable food at any of the FBL's designated donation sites.
2. Volunteer: Help with food drives, pack food boxes, or assist at food distributions.
3. Give Financially: Cash donations enable the FBL to purchase food and cover operating costs.
4. Raise Awareness: Spread the word about the FBL's mission and encourage others to support them.

Why it Matters

Supporting the FBL matters because:

• It Fights Hunger: The FBL provides crucial sustenance to those in need, reducing food insecurity and its devastating consequences.
• It Nourishes the Community: The FBL helps to ensure that all members of our community have access to nutritious meals.
• It Promotes Health: By reducing food insecurity, the FBL supports better health outcomes for individuals and families.

Benefits of Supporting the Food Bank

Supporting the FBL offers numerous benefits:

• Make a Tangible Difference: Your support directly helps to nourish hungry families in Lincoln.
• Experience Fulfillment: Volunteering with the FBL provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
• Strengthen the Community: Supporting the FBL builds a stronger and more compassionate community.

Tables: Food Bank Statistics

| Ways to Support the FBL |
|---|---|
| Donate Food | Drop off at designated donation sites |
| Volunteer | Help with food drives, packing, or distributions |
| Give Financially | Visit website or mail a check |
| Raise Awareness | Spread the word about FBL's mission |

FAQs

1. What types of food does the FBL need?
   The FBL needs a variety of non-perishable food items, including canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, and peanut butter. They also need fresh produce, dairy products, and protein sources.

2. Where can I donate food to the FBL?
   You can donate food at any of the FBL's designated donation sites, which are listed on their website.

3. Can I volunteer with the FBL?
   Yes, the FBL welcomes volunteers of all ages and abilities. You can sign up for volunteer opportunities on their website.

4. How can I give financially to the FBL?
   You can give financially by visiting the FBL's website or mailing a check to their address.

5. What is the Food Bank's mission?
   The Food Bank of Lincoln's mission is to ensure that everyone in Lincoln has access to nutritious food.

6. How many people does the FBL help each year?
   The FBL helps over 30,000 people each year through its food distribution programs.

7. How can I contact the Food Bank of Lincoln?
   You can contact the Food Bank of Lincoln by phone at (402) 471-8663 or by email at [email protected].

8. How can I find out more about the Food Bank of Lincoln?
   You can find more information about the Food Bank of Lincoln on their website at www.lincolnfoodbank.org.