FCSAmerica Fights Hunger and Expands Food Access in Nebraska

Fighting Hunger, Feeding Communities

Strategic partnerships and targeted funding can make a positive difference in addressing hunger and improving nutrition across Nebraska. That’s why Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) is proud to support organizations like Together, Inc. and Community Action of Nebraska, helping to expand access to nutritious meals and strengthen communities statewide.

Expanding Food Access Across Communities

For nearly 50 years, Together, Inc. has worked to prevent and end hunger and homelessness in Omaha. Recently, their impact extended across the river to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where community leaders and funders asked them to establish a food pantry at the Lakin Campus – a hub for multiple nonprofit service organizations.

The demand for services at the temporary location far exceeded expectations, underscoring the importance of building a permanent facility. With support from an FCSAmerica Working Here Fund grant, Together, Inc. installed a commercial freezer capable of handling the increased capacity.

As the largest freezer of its kind in the area, it optimizes efficiency and ensures access to a full range of nutritious food items sourced from the Food Bank for the Heartland and local grocers for the more than 45,000 visitors it serves annually. This vital resource is key to addressing hunger and supporting the overall health and wellness of families in need.

Connecting Communities with Food and Other Resources

With the demand for food assistance steadily rising, Nebraska communities are uplifted by Northeast Nebraska Communication Action Partnership (NENCAP).

Serving 14 counties, NENCAP provides emergency food assistance to low-income individuals and families in need through one of its key programs, the Family Services Food Pantry.

A Working Here Fund grant from FCSAmerica helps cover the costs of purchasing fresh, nutritious foods including dairy, meat and produce sourced from The Food Bank for the Heartland, Siouxland Food Bank, local grocers and farmers’ markets. During the last 12 months, NENCAP has served 660 unique clients and can now expand its services to an estimated 75-100 additional clients over the next year.

In addition to providing food assistance, NENCAP also helps community members with one-on-one budget services and facilitates contact with other agency and community-based programs to address individualized needs.