The catastrophic floodwaters that swept across Nebraska and western Iowa in March 2019 have receded, but we remain vigilant in monitoring local rivers for rising waters. Thousands of families continue to seek emergency assistance as homes, businesses, farms, ranches, roads and communities are being rebuilt.
Food Bank for the Heartland is committed to helping those experiencing hardship in the wake of this natural disaster and is partnering with Sargent Public Schools to host a free mobile food pantry in Sargent on Saturday, January 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The mobile pantry will take place at Sargent Public Schools, 400 5th St., Sargent, NE 68874.
“Many residents in Sargent and the surrounding communities are still reeling from last year’s flooding,” said Brian Barks, president and CEO of Food Bank for the Heartland. “Food Bank for the Heartland has already helped provide more than 600,000 disaster relief meals This organization has been part of this community for 39 years, and we will continue to distribute emergency and supplemental food to our neighbors in need throughout the Heartland. We are grateful to collaborate with Sargent Public Schools to host this mobile pantry for individuals and families in Custer County.”
Food Bank for the Heartland’s Mobile Pantry program delivers food directly to communities that have a high need but limited food resources. The one-day distribution is free, and in Custer County, approximately 7,000 pounds of food will be offered including pasta, tomato sauce, peanut butter, rice, soup and other shelf-stable products along with fresh sweet potatoes, apples, carrots, onions, bakery items and milk.
Those attending the mobile pantry are asked to bring boxes or bags to assist in carrying the food they receive. Volunteers will be available to help recipients. No identification is required to obtain food.
Results of a study supported by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and the Nielsen Company show approximately 11.7 percent, or 1,270 people, in Custer County are at-risk for hunger. Map the Meal Gap 2019 is a study from Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization, which provides data on a county level. Of the more than 1.8 million people living in the 93 counties served by Food Bank for the Heartland, there are approximately 207,000 struggling with hunger, according to study results.
Other mobile food pantry locations include the Halsey Community Building on Saturday, January 11 from 9-11 AM, Loup City Community Center on Saturday, January 25 from 9 AM until out of food, and the Broken Bow Bible Church on Saturday, January 25 from 10-11:30 AM.
For the complete list of January mobile food pantry locations click here.
