#GivingEveryTuesday: Hunger
Each Tuesday, SHARE Omaha features a unique cause theme for #GivingEveryTuesday and encourages you to give and support in any way you can! The #GivingEveryTuesday theme for February 20, 2024, is Hunger nonprofits. How will you support local nonprofits address hunger with a donation today?
All nonprofits addressing Hunger
Table Grace Ministries
Simone Weber of Table Grace Ministries shares, "Nourishing people in body and soul is an important part of the health and wellness of the individual. There are many struggles that all of us face in life and when our bodies and souls are nourished properly with a healthy, well balanced meal, and community, learning, inspiration for our soul, it sometimes makes the different between moving forward or standing still in whatever challenge faces us that day. At Table Grace we offer a hand up instead of a hand out, and your donations will benefit people that volunteer for their food, and these are sometimes the same people that will enter our job experience program and go on to find work that will be sustainable in their future."
Table Grace Cafe, Mobile Grace Food Truck, Music Outreach and Job Experience through Table Grace Ministries impacts our Omaha/Council Bluffs metro community in many ways. Table Grace Cafe at 1611 1/2 Farnam Street offers a safe haven for people in our city. Individuals often say they feel at home there, and feel a transformative power in their lives after becoming a part of the community at Table Grace.
"We need you to come and eat at Table Grace Cafe as often as you can, and bring others to share the mission. A community cafe works best when we are all in it together."
Donate to Table Grace Ministries
New Visions Homeless Services
Heather Beekhuizen of New Visions Homeless Services shares, "With the price of food skyrocketing in recent months, food insecurity is on the rise in our community. Food is a basic need, so when donors and friends help support nonprofits that are addressing hunger needs, they are making food accessible to EVERYONE."
New Visions Homeless Services addresses hunger and homelessness by providing low-barrier access to food, shelter, and clothing. They believe that housing is the solution to homelessness and work tirelessly to ensure safe and affordable housing is available to everyone.
"We rely on donations from the community to continue serving our most vulnerable neighbors. Our Amazon wishlist is updated regularly with our most urgent needs for our shelter and street outreach programs, and we encourage non-perishable food donations as well. We also rely on volunteers to make sure our meal-site runs smoothly each day. Of course, something everyone can do is to advocate and educate your friends and neighbors about hunger and homelessness," says Heather.
Donate to New Visions Homeless ServicesVolunteer for New VisionsShop New Visions Wish List
Food Bank for the Heartland
Jerlyn Swiatlowski of Food Bank for the Heartland shares, "Everyone needs nutritious food to thrive. But according to Feeding America, our country is seeing the highest rate of food insecurity levels across our country since 2014. And the largest one-year increase since 2008. Recently, a USDA study reported food insecurity in Nebraska is 12.1%, which exceeds the exceeds the national average of 11.2%. This is a direct response to inflation—when the cost of living and everyday essentials increases—food is often the first place where families cut corners to try and make ends meet. Monetary donations are imperative to help the Food Bank address the historic levels of demand. It allows us to make an immediate impact on hunger by providing food where it’s needed most. And because of our ability to purchase in bulk, $1 can provide up to 3 meals for someone in need."
1 in 11 people, with 1 in 9 being children, are experiencing food insecurity across Nebraska and western Iowa. In Douglas County, those numbers are even higher. 1 in 10 people in Douglas county—with 1 in 8 being children—are facing hunger. Food insecurity is often a hidden issue. But it’s happening all around us. To your next-door neighbor, your co-worker, your child’s classmate. Food Bank for the Heartland work with several Network Partners across the Omaha metro—including pantries, emergency shelters, churches, schools, and other nonprofit organizations to provide nutritious food to children, families, seniors, and veterans who don’t know how they’ll afford their next meal.
"What we need from our community, now more than ever, is to help us respond to the overwhelming need of food insecurity across the Heartland. Right now, there is a role for everyone to play. We ask that the community get involved in the fight against hunger, however they choose. There are a variety of ways to make a difference for Heartland neighbors in need. You can donate funds, donate food, or sign up to volunteer. No act is too small, and every little bit helps," says Jerlyn.
Donate to Food Bank for the Heartland
The Salvation Army of Omaha
Todd Andrews of The Salvation Army shares, "Donating to nonprofits that address hunger helps ensure that one of the most basic of human needs is met. Fighting food insecurity is a team effort – and it requires a community-wide response."
The Salvation Army of Omaha works hard to help those most in need in the metro area through their eight core programs and services: food, housing, youth development, material assistance, behavioral health, older adult services, anti-human trafficking, and emergency disaster services.
"We greatly appreciate the continued support from the community in the form of donations and volunteer hours," says Todd.
Donate to The Salvation ArmyVolunteer for The Salvation Army
Open Door Mission
Logan Koepke of Open Door Mission shares, "Our community is in a food insecurity crisis. Growing numbers of children and individuals wonder where their next meal is coming from as food costs continue to escalate!"
In 2023, Open Door Mission shared 1.8 million meals with neighbors experiencing homelessness and poverty.
"In the 28 years I have been at Open Door Mission, I have not seen the need we are seeing today. So many more people are struggling to put food on the table and many are going hungry," says Open Door Mission President/CEO Dr. Candace L. Gregory.
Completely KIDS
Taylor McBreen of Completely KIDS shares, "Supporting nonprofits like Completely KIDS, is essential to fostering academic success among children. At Completely KIDS, our Weekend Food Program alone serves a growing number of 865 kids weekly, emphasizing the increasing demand for such vital services. Rising food prices have added to the challenge, making it more expensive to provide essential nutrition through each food bag. The overarching need is evident, as many children in Nebraska face food insecurity, underscoring the significance of donations to combat hunger and ensure a brighter future for these young individuals."
Completely KIDS is significantly enhancing the local community in the metro area by championing initiatives like the Weekend Food Program. For almost 20 years, this program has played a pivotal role in promoting academic success among children, with 865 kids benefitting weekly from essential nutritional support. The organization's commitment to making a positive impact is evident as it addresses the growing demand, showcasing a dedication to improving the overall well-being of the community. Despite the challenges posed by rising food prices, Completely KIDS persists in its mission, demonstrating how strategic support for such programs contributes to creating a better and more nourished future for the metro community.
"Your support doesn't just provide meals; it provides hope. For many children, the food they receive through our program is often the only nourishment available to them over the weekend. Your generosity makes a tangible difference in their lives. Here are some of the items that will make the most impact for our Weekend Food Program: Spaghetti Sauce, Pasts Noodles, Vegetable Cups, Fruit Cups, Apple and Eve Juice, Horizon Milk, Honest Kids Juice, Graham Crackers, Chef Boyardee Cups, Canned Beans, Chicken Salad Pouches, Tuna Pouches, Sunbelt Granola Bars, Individual Cereal Boxes, Goldfish Crackers, Applesauce, Clif Z Bars, Skinny or Smart Pop, Mac n Cheese, Pretzels, Chex Mix, Raisins, Yogurt Covered Raisins and Fruit Snacks," shares Taylor.
No More Empty Pots
Amy (Zeller) Wehlander of No More Empty Pots shares, "Supporting nonprofits that address hunger needs is a tangible way to make a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities struggling with food insecurity. Many hunger-related nonprofits like No More Empty Pots not only provide immediate food assistance but also work to address the underlying causes of hunger, such as poverty, lack of education, unemployment, and inadequate access to resources. By supporting these organizations, you contribute to tackling the root causes of hunger and promoting systemic change."
No More Empty Pots strives to support communities in becoming self-sufficient and food secure through collaboration and adherence to their core values of education, stewardship and sustainability. In 2023, No More Empty Pots served over 4,600 individuals with hands-on garden, nutrition and culinary education; locally sourced food distribution; workforce readiness training; and business support services. Over 12,400 scratch-made meals and $6,600 produce boxes were distributed.
"Our team would love more volunteers for our Community Harvest program. Volunteers spend their time packing produce boxes for distribution to the community."