Hunger is as real in farming communities as it is in urban food deserts. Roughly 12 percent of the population in each of the four states we serve experience some level of food insecurity, according to Feeding America.
Food Bank for the Heartland and Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) are committed to helping those in need in rural communities. Each year since 2013, we have partnered to bring mobile food pantries to Nebraska and western Iowa communities that have high need but limited food resources.
This year, FCSAmerica is funding 16 mobile pantries through October and our employees are distributing thousands of pounds of food free at each site. Those in need of the service are invited to bring boxes or bags to assist in carrying the food they receive. No identification is required to receive food.
Food Bank for the Heartland’s mobile pantry program provides spaghetti, tomato sauce, canned pork and beans, cereal, pancake mix and other shelf-stable products along with perishable items, including a variety of fresh produce and bakery items.
“Farm Credit Services of America is an extraordinary community partner,” said Ericka Smrcka, Food Bank for the Heartland’s director of network and client services. “The ongoing support of the company and its dedicated employees enable the Food Bank to distribute much-needed resources to help local families through our mobile pantry program. Thank you to Farm Credit Services of America and the community of Aurora. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve Hamilton County.”
“We are honored to support organizations like Food Bank for the Heartland. Its dedication to addressing food and hunger issues in our local communities mirrors our mission of making a difference in the rural communities we serve," said Tami Campbell, vice president of retail operations South Central Nebraska region.
