38,785 pounds of food fruit, veggies, dairy and protein were delivered into Broken Bow last Friday as part of the USDA COVID Relief Farm to Table Program. Broken Bow Area Rotary, the City of Broken Bow, Broken Bow Wind II and Jennie M. Melham Memorial Center teamed up to make it happen, and the partnership didn’t go unnoticed. Dick Cochran, head of HotMeals USA was on hand and he said the cooperation he witnessed in Broken Bow was just plain wonderful.
“I am so proud of this community. The way these community partners pulled this together in such a short amount of time is something special and demonstrates the community-mindedness that Bow is known for,” said Rotary President Veronica Schmidt.
And NOW, a second semi of food is coming – 960 boxes of food – US sourced fruit, vegetables, dairy, and processed meat products with each box is designed to feed a family of four for a week. In addition, 960 gallons of milk will be added to the mix.
NEW DELIVERY DATE AND INFORMATION:
- Delivery set for April 6, 2021
- Distribution begins at 9 am at the Melham parking lot across from the swimming pool next to the soccer fields. Enter the road to the swimming pool off Memorial Drive coming from the EAST so that you have a right-hand turn as you enter.
- Please DO NOT enter the line before 8:30 am. Look for the sign that says ‘Line Starts Here.’ And as you go through the line our volunteers will place your box and milk into your car for you. There will not be a need to exit your vehicle.
- There are no sign-ups. No names are gathered. Food boxes are distributed first-come-first-served.
- Distribution is not limited to residents of Broken Bow – citizens from surrounding communities/counties are invited. It’s important the food be placed where it can be used.
“The city is excited to have the opportunity to do this again. The first one was a great success and we are proud to truly serve our community. The Mayor, Council, and I are so humbled by having this opportunity to assist all the great organizations that make this happen!” said Broken Bow City Administrator Dan Knoell.
The distribution is part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to purchase and distribute US agricultural products to those in need. Through this program, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing service is partnering with national, regional and local distributors. The goal is to purchase $6 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat products from American producers of all sizes. Nebraska’s distributors through HotMeals USA reached out to Rotary Clubs across the Midwest for assistance in planning the logistics.
“This is just so much fun, it makes one grateful to live where we do,” said Rotarian Deb McCaslin. “What sets our corner of the world apart is that when something needs done we don’t care who gets the credit. Rural Nebraskans time and time again exemplify Rotary’s motto of ‘Service Above Self,’ from the partnerships demonstrated here, to neighbors thinking of neighbors as they picked up boxes for others. Thanks everyone! See you April 6.”
For additional information contact [email protected].
