Rural communities often face unique barriers to accessing nutritious food. Distance to grocery stores, limited transportation options, and reduced access to food assistance programs can make it difficult for families to put food on the table consistently. Through the Working Here Fund and other community investments, Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) partners with organizations working to improve rural food access and strengthen local communities.
Key takeaways
FCSAmerica invests in organizations working to improve rural food access.
Food Bank for the Heartland is expanding food access in five Nebraska communities.
FCSAmerica invested $1.5 million in hunger-relief efforts in 2025.
Nonprofits can apply for upcoming Working Here Fund grant opportunities.
Bringing food closer to home
Food Bank for the Heartland is helping expand access to nutritious food in rural Nebraska through its mobile pantry program. With support from FCSAmerica and its teammates, the organization will host 20 mobile pantry events in 2026 across Valentine, Hyannis, Mullen, Scottsbluff, and Aurora.
The initiative continues support for the Mullen mobile pantry established in 2025 and restores or introduces services in communities where mobile pantry access had previously been reduced or unavailable because of budget constraints. Food Bank for the Heartland expects to serve approximately 2,600 households through the program in 2026.
2,600 households expected to be served in 2026
For families facing transportation challenges or living far from traditional food assistance resources, mobile pantries help close the gap by bringing food directly into their communities.
Hunger-relief investment in 2025
FCSAmerica invested $1.5 million in hunger-relief efforts across its territory.
Apply for a Working Here Fund grant
The Working Here Fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations working to improve quality of life and strengthen rural communities. Eligible projects include hunger-relief efforts, food-access initiatives, and other programs that address local needs and create lasting community impact.
Organizations addressing hunger or food access in Nebraska communities are encouraged to apply for a Working Here Fund grant.
Grant opportunities of up to $5,000 are available quarterly, and up to $15,000 and $25,000 are available semiannually.
