The partial government shutdown may be over temporarily, but hardship remains for federal workers as they await back pay for the two paychecks they missed.
The Food Bank for the Heartland will hold a mobile food pantry in Bellevue Monday to help those workers having trouble making ends meet. It will be held and Chandler View Elementary School near 25th and Chandler from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
“We are pleased to provide this mobile pantry for federal workers and their families while increasing the amount of food we are pushing into our network of pantries, emergency shelters and other organizations," says CEO Brian Barks. "We are grateful for the public’s support and hope that we can continue to rely on our communities to help our neighbors in need.”
The Food Bank will have nearly 14,000 pounds of food available, including pasta, tomato sauce, canned chicken, rice along with fresh apples, potatoes, pears, oranges and bread.
Those attending the mobile pantry are asked to bring boxes or bags to carry the food they receive. Employees and volunteers from Food Bank for the Heartland, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Conagra Brands, and other corporate supporters will be available to assist recipients on Monday. No identification is required to obtain food.
A team of professionals from Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska will be on site to provide access to their programs for individuals and families, such as services for veterans, behavioral health needs, workforce development, children services and other community-based support.
Federal workers and their families who are unable to visit the mobile pantry, but are interested in learning more about behavioral health and other support services can contact Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska at (402) 342-7038.