Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic hundreds of thousands of Nebraskans and Iowans have turned to the Food Bank for the Heartland for help in putting food on the table, and now the Food Bank is asking for help.
Angie Grote with the Food Bank tells 6 News, “The holiday season is always very busy for us here at the food bank but I think it’s just compounded this year."
The pandemic has created a larger-than-average need for food assistance, especially for families who have never needed it before. Grote says compared to this time last year and in 2018, there’s been a 72% increase in the number of meals given out. “Helping to feed thousands of children, families, and seniors throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa."
Since the Food Bank is seeing such an increase in food insecurity, Grote says they are asking the community for help to make sure families have food on their tables. “We are really reliant on our community and our volunteers to make the holiday season a little bit better for our neighbors who are in need right now."
Grote says they’ve taken necessary precautions to ensure everyone’s safety, volunteers wear a mask, and not as many people are allowed to be in the volunteer area at once.
Volunteers are encouraged to help out during the week, when they have the most need. Those wanting to help out can find more details on The Food Bank for the Heartland's website here.