Jul 13, 2020

Free drive-up mobile food pantry at North Platte High School Tuesday

Posted Jul 13, 2020 1:41 PM

OMAHA, Neb. July 13, 2020 – As Nebraskans and Iowans continue to struggle with the community and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, many find themselves in the unexpected position of seeking emergency food assistance. The need for meals is more critical than ever.

WHAT: Food Bank for the Heartland is committed to helping those struggling with food insecurity and is partnering with North Platte High School to host a free drive-up mobile pantry to assist food-insecure individuals and families in Lincoln County and the surrounding communities. There are no requirements to attend.

360 community packs will be available, which are 28-pound prepackaged boxes filled with a variety of nonperishable staple items like peanut butter, rice, beans, canned fruits and vegetables, among others. Boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmers to Families Food Box Program will also be offered.

Volunteers are assembling the community packs at Food Bank for the Heartland. They are practicing social distancing in the volunteer center, and, as always, they are washing their hands and following food safety guidelines.

A drive-up distribution method is being used in North Platte to prioritize the health and safety of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals and families coming to the mobile pantry should stay in their vehicles. Volunteers will help direct traffic and load the food for them.

WHEN: Tuesday, July 14 beginning at 1:00 p.m. until all the food has been distributed

WHERENorth Platte High School

1220 W 2nd St., North Platte, NE 69101

During this unprecedented time, Food Bank for the Heartland is working swiftly with our partners across Nebraska and western Iowa to provide critical meals to our neighbors struggling due to the community and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Brian Barks, President and CEO of Food Bank for the Heartland. “The need for emergency and supplemental food has increased significantly in recent months. From March 15 to May 15, the Food Bank has distributed 3,974,012 meals, well beyond our average monthly meal distribution for a two-month period of 2,790,364. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from individuals, organizations and companies across the Heartland.”

Visit https://foodbankheartland.org/covid-19/ for information about additional emergency and supplemental food resources.

If members of the community are seeking opportunities to help their neighbors in need during the pandemic, they are encouraged to visit www.FoodBankHeartland.org to make a financial donation to purchase additional food and to obtain information about volunteering to help assemble community packs of nonperishable food items being distributed at pantries, emergency meal providers and through the Food Bank’s Mobile Pantry program.