MEET JO: RURAL IOWA NEIGHBOR SHARES CONCERNS AMID UNPRECEDENTED TIMES
The situation is critical. Federal funding cuts are affecting food banks nationwide — and Food Bank for the Heartland is no exception. Over the past two years, the Food Bank has seen a decrease of more than 2.5 million pounds of food from the USDA. Last fiscal year, 434,000 meals scheduled for distribution were cancelled. That’s the equivalent of nearly 5.5 semi-trucks of produce, protein, and dairy that never reached individuals counting on us.
Since last year, we’ve seen a reduction of $2.78 million in government support . Those cuts are having a ripple affect on neighbors like Jo, who recently attended a mobile distribution in Griswold, Iowa.
With rising costs on everything from rent to medications to food, money doesn’t go as far, and it’s caused her family to cut critical nutrition from their diet. “Grocery prices are outrageous. We haven’t been eating beef because it’s just so expensive.”
Food Bank’s mobile distributions are one of Jo’s only resources to help make ends meet. Like thousands of neighbors across our country, Jo earns just enough to make her ineligible for benefits, yet not sufficient to purchase healthy food. “We don’t qualify for SNAP because we make just barely over the limit, so it’s really hard.”
The need is rising, and resources are shrinking. From Griswold, Iowa, to North Platte, Nebraska, neighbors are voicing their concerns. When asked what they would do if this food wasn’t available, several
$2.78 Million
While we continue to navigate significant decreases in resources due to federal funding cuts, the One Big Beautiful Bill has created new barriers to food access that will impact our neighbors now and for years to come, especially those utilizing SNAP benefits. Your immediate support is not just important—it’s urgently necessary to help us fill this widening gap.
Every day, Heartland families make heart-wrenching decisions on whether they purchase food or other critical essentials. Your continued support helps us provide hope for a brighter tomorrow. “This food means a full stomach when there are no funds. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” — North Platte Pantry Recipient
We look forward to working with you to overcome these challenges, one donation at a time.
To eliminate hunger in the Heartland by ensuring consistent access to healthy foods through community partnerships.
Pictured above: Jo, Iowa Pantry Recipient pantry participants told us they would simply “go hungry.”
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
As you may have seen on the front cover, federal funding cuts—along with the recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill—will have a substantial impact on our mission and our ability to serve Heartland neighbors now and into the future. Over the past five years, we’ve navigated a government shutdown, devastating floods, a global pandemic, and inflation. Thanks to your support, we’ve faced each of these challenges with resilience and compassion—and for that, I’m deeply grateful.
Right now, more than 259,000 Heartland neighbors are facing hunger. This puts us in a difficult position—one that results in less food for more people. Your continued generosity and partnership remain vital as we navigate this critical moment together.
Our team has been working tirelessly to navigate these changes. To help combat the rising need for food and the limited resources available to purchase it, we are focused on increasing the amount of donated food.
Efforts include leveraging relationships between Feeding America and national retailers, manufacturers, and producers. We are also forging new partnerships among retailers, particularly in communities outside of
FARM BILL UPDATE
Omaha, to provide more equitable food distribution across our service area. Not surprisingly, our community is already finding ways to help.
The box below shares examples of how our corporate partners have recently stepped up to the plate. By working together with care and intention, we will navigate this next chapter of food banking and overcome these obstacles together. Thank you!
To help provide consistent, high-quality protein to families across Nebraska and western Iowa, Greater Omaha Packing has committed to donating 1,000 pounds of ground beef every month to the Food Bank.
Ardent Mills has committed to making regular flour donations to be distributed and/or repacked in our Volunteer Center.
Brian Barks President & CEO
The Farm Bill is a key piece of legislation currently being discussed at the federal level. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are two vital nutrition programs within the Farm Bill that affect millions of Americans struggling with food insecurity. TEFAP provides over 20% of the food distributed through Feeding America’s Network, and SNAP helped an estimated 41.7 million Americans in FY 2024.
With recent federal funding cuts, along with cuts to SNAP through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a strong Farm Bill is essential to food security for neighbors across Nebraska and western Iowa. Critical policy and funding decisions will be made over the next several months that will affect our nutrition programs and how we serve the growing number of individuals facing hunger. Food Bank for the Heartland and Feeding America urge Congress to support and strengthen our nation’s nutrition and agriculture programs in the Farm Bill.
Our team is closely monitoring this legislation and will continue to advocate for our neighbors and partners —educating our federal delegation on the importance of strong and enhanced federal nutrition programs and policies.
For more information on the Farm Bill and how you can take action, visit the Food Bank’s advocacy page today, FoodBankHeartland.org/Advocacy, or scan the QR code.
WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Six new members have joined the Food Bank’s Board of Directors. Pictured left to right is Mark Demke; Pinnacle Bank, Brandon Lampkin; Hy-Vee, Inc., Christian Perversi; Omaha Steaks, Jayne Timmerman; Foodies Founder and Community Volunteer, Seth Tracy; Harrison Financial Services, and Colten Venteicher; Bacon, Vinton & Venteicher, LLC.
As the Food Bank navigates a new fiscal year marked by federal funding uncertainties and reduced resources amidst an increased need, their combined expertise will be invaluable.
“We are eager to utilize their combined skillsets to serve Heartland neighbors more adequately and strategically increase efficiencies across our organization, especially as we move into our new facility on 84th and L Street in Omaha.” — President & CEO, Brian Barks
MARK YOUR CALENDER & MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
HUNGER ACTION MONTH
You still have time to make a difference in September! Thanks to the Michael & Michelle Berlin Family Foundation, David & Jane Offutt, and the Chantry Hickey Giving Fund, all donations will be matched up to $75,000 through the end of September, making twice the impact on Heartland communities.
FEAST & FEATHERS RACE
Help neighbors in need while getting active. Mark your calendars for the annual Feast & Feathers run—benefiting the Food Bank—on Thanksgiving Day. Grab your friends, family, or coworkers and register now at FeastandFeathers.com.
Registration closes on November 17. We look forward to seeing you there!
A GENEROUS POUR
Raise a glass while raising funds for families in need. Join our Foodies on Thursday, November 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for A Generous Pour. The evening includes a wine tasting, the opportunity to purchase wines at a discounted price, appetizers, and unique auction items.
Scan the QR code or visit our website at FoodBankHeartland.org/Foodies to learn more and purchase tickets before they sell out!
SHINE THE LIGHT ON HUNGER
Championed by Conagra Brands Foundation and entering it’s 19th year, this campaign helps support Heartland neighbors during the holiday season. It kicks off in mid-November and runs through Decemeber 31.
Be sure to visit our website for the lates information on how you can double your impact thanks to a generous match.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR CELEBRITY CHEF FUNDRAISER!
You’re invited to an unforgettable evening with Food Bank for the Heartland on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the CHI Health Center in Omaha as we celebrate the 25th Annual Celebrity Chef Fundraiser!
Enjoy a culinary experience as we raise critical funds for the Food Bank’s mission. Your support is needed now more than ever.
Mark your calendar for this exclusive event on Thursday, February 19. You’ll be receiving an announcement soon with the names of our participating chefs.
We can’t wait to see you there!
NEW FACILITY UPDATE
If you’ve driven by 84th and L in Omaha over the last several months, you’ve noticed the incredible progress on the Food Bank’s new home. Each day brings us one step closer to better serving our neighbors.
With recent federal funding cuts and growing uncertainty, the need for more donated food—especially fresh produce, protein, and dairy—is greater than ever. Meeting that need means expanding our capacity for volunteer repacking and increasing our cold storage space.
Thanks to the tireless work from our construction partners, this project is on budget and on time! We plan to move into the new facility in January. As we approach that timeline, we will continue to update you on our progress.
We want to thank everyone who has generously contributed to our Captial Campaign. Your dedication to our mission will help provide hope for years to come.
Learn more about our new facility and how you can get involved at
Pictured above—Culinary cook-off chefs from our 24th Annual Celebrity Chef Fundraiser.
