The Food Bank of Lincoln: A Lifeline for the Hungry

Introduction

Hunger is a serious problem in our communities. It affects millions of people, including children, seniors, and families. The Food Bank of Lincoln is a lifeline for those who are struggling to put food on the table.

Our Mission

The Food Bank of Lincoln's mission is to end hunger in our community. We do this by providing food to those in need, advocating for policies that support food security, and educating the public about the issue of hunger.

The Need is Great

According to the Feeding America, more than 40 million people in the United States are food insecure. That means they don't always have enough food to eat. In Lincoln, 1 in 5 children are food insecure.

Our Impact

The Food Bank of Lincoln distributed over 10 million pounds of food last year. That's enough food to provide over 8 million meals. We helped over 60,000 people put food on the table.

How We Help

The Food Bank of Lincoln provides food to those in need through a variety of programs, including:

• Food pantries: We partner with over 100 food pantries in Lincoln and the surrounding area. These pantries provide food to individuals and families in need.
• Mobile food pantries: We operate two mobile food pantries that travel to underserved areas. These pantries provide food to people who may not be able to get to a traditional food pantry.
• School pantries: We partner with over 20 schools in Lincoln to provide food to students in need. These pantries help students stay fed so they can focus on their studies.
• Senior boxes: We provide monthly boxes of food to seniors in need. These boxes help seniors stay healthy and independent.

How You Can Help

There are many ways you can help the Food Bank of Lincoln end hunger in our community:

• Donate food: You can donate non-perishable food items at any of our food pantries or mobile food pantries.
• Donate money: Your financial donation will help us purchase food and support our programs.
• Volunteer your time: We always need volunteers to help us sort food, pack boxes, and distribute food to those in need.

Together, we can end hunger in our community.

Why the Food Bank of Lincoln Matters

Hunger has a devastating impact on individuals, families, and our community as a whole.

Impacts on Individuals

Hunger can lead to a variety of health problems, including:

• Undernutrition: This occurs when someone does not get enough calories or nutrients to meet their body's needs. Undernutrition can lead to a weakened immune system, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function.
• Obesity: This occurs when someone consumes more calories than they burn. Obesity is a risk factor for a number of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
• Mental health problems: Hunger can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.

Impacts on Families

Hunger can also have a devastating impact on families. It can lead to:

• Food insecurity: This occurs when a family does not have reliable access to enough food to meet their needs. Food insecurity can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Financial hardship: Families who are struggling to put food on the table may have to cut back on other expenses, such as housing, healthcare, and education.
• Relationship problems: Hunger can lead to conflict and tension within families.

Impacts on Our Community

Hunger also has a negative impact on our community as a whole. It can lead to:

• Increased crime: Studies have shown that food insecurity is associated with increased crime rates.
• Reduced economic productivity: Hunger can lead to decreased productivity at work and school.
• Social unrest: When people are hungry, they are more likely to be angry and frustrated. This can lead to social unrest and even violence.

The Food Bank of Lincoln is a lifeline for those who are struggling to put food on the table. We provide food to those in need, advocate for policies that support food security, and educate the public about the issue of hunger. Together, we can end hunger in our community.

Benefits of Supporting the Food Bank of Lincoln

There are many benefits to supporting the Food Bank of Lincoln.

For Individuals

• Help your neighbors in need: When you support the Food Bank of Lincoln, you are helping your neighbors who are struggling to put food on the table.
• Make a difference in your community: The Food Bank of Lincoln is a lifeline for our community. Your support helps us provide food to those who need it most.
• Feel good about yourself: Helping others is a great way to feel good about yourself. When you support the Food Bank of Lincoln, you are making a difference in the lives of others.

For Businesses

• Enhance your corporate social responsibility: Supporting the Food Bank of Lincoln is a great way to enhance your corporate social responsibility. It shows that your company is committed to making a difference in the community.
• Attract and retain employees: Employees are more likely to be attracted to and stay with companies that are committed to social responsibility.
• Increase sales: Customers are more likely to do business with companies that are seen as being socially responsible.

For the Community

• Reduce hunger: The Food Bank of Lincoln is a lifeline for those who are struggling to put food on the table. Your support helps us reduce hunger in our community.
• Strengthen our community: When we work together to end hunger, we are strengthening our community.
• Create a more just and equitable society: Hunger is a symptom of poverty and inequality. When we end hunger, we are creating a more just and equitable society.

How to Support the Food Bank of Lincoln

There are many ways you can support the Food Bank of Lincoln.

• Donate food: You can donate non-perishable food items at any of our food pantries or mobile food pantries.
• Donate money: Your financial donation will help us purchase food and support our programs.
• Volunteer your time: We always need volunteers to help us sort food, pack boxes, and distribute food to those in need.
• Advocate for policies that support food security: You can contact your elected officials and let them know that you support policies that help to end hunger.
• Educate the public about the issue of hunger: You can talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about the issue of hunger. You can also share information about the Food Bank of Lincoln on social media.

Together, we can end hunger in our community.

How to Get Involved with the Food Bank of Lincoln

There are many ways to get involved with the Food Bank of Lincoln.

Volunteer

We always need volunteers to help us sort food, pack boxes, and distribute food to those in need. Volunteering is a great way to make a difference in your community and meet new people.

Donate Food

You can donate non-perishable food items at any of our food pantries or mobile food pantries. We are always in need of food donations, especially during the summer months when donations tend to be lower.

Donate Money

Your financial donation will help us purchase food and support our programs. You can donate online, by mail, or by phone.

Advocate for Policies that Support Food Security

You can contact your elected officials and let them know that you support policies that help to end hunger. You can also get involved with organizations that are working to end hunger.

Educate the Public about the Issue of Hunger

You can talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about the issue of hunger. You can also share information about the Food Bank of Lincoln on social media.

Together, we can end hunger in our community.

Stories of Impact

The Food Bank of Lincoln has made a difference in the lives of countless people in our community. Here are a few stories of impact:

Story 1

Maria is a single mother of two young children. She works two jobs to make ends meet, but she still struggles to put food on the table. The Food Bank of Lincoln has been a lifeline for Maria and her family.

"The Food Bank has been a godsend for me," Maria said. "I don't know what I would do without them. They help me feed my children and keep a roof over our heads."

Story 2

John is a senior citizen who lives on a fixed income. He has trouble making ends meet, especially when it comes to buying food. The Food Bank of Lincoln provides John with a monthly box of food.

"The Food Bank has been a lifesaver for me," John said. "I don't know what I would do without them. They help me stay healthy and independent."

Story 3

The Food Bank of Lincoln provides food to over 20 schools in Lincoln. These pantries help students stay fed so they can focus on their studies.

"The Food Bank has made a big difference in my students' lives," said one teacher. "They are able to come to school and learn without having to worry about being hungry."

These are just a few of the many stories of impact that the Food Bank of Lincoln has made in our community. Together, we can end hunger in our community.

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