Photo: Catholic Charities of Omaha
(Omaha, NE) -- An Omaha area food pantry is struggling to keep their shelves stocked for those in need.
Over the past 12 months, Catholic Charities says its pantries have served 2.5 million pounds of food to 260,000 people. Catholic Charities of Omaha is seeing an all-time food shortage at its pantries as donations are down 38% and they have served 58% more people than in 2021. Catholic Charities says that statistic reflects the Omaha community’s hunger crisis, as hunger can cause mental illness, chronic disease, and can stifle educational and career opportunities. They says nearly 1 in 9 Nebraskans are hungry.
“It is truly heartbreaking to watch the number of individuals entering our pantry line increase by the day, knowing that we don’t have enough food to serve everyone. To tell a mother with a car full of hungry children that we don’t have food for them is something that will stick with you.” Mikaela Schuele, Director of Emergency and Supportive Food Services at Catholic Charities.
Catholic Charities has a drive-thru pantry located at the St. Juan Diego Center located at 5211 South 31st Street, as well as mobile and home-bound delivery services. Catholic Charities says through their pantries, families and individuals receive culturally appropriate food, including meat, produce, canned and packaged goods.
Catholic Charities accepts pantry donations of shelf-stable items (food, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, paper goods, and diapers). Donations can be dropped off the St. Juan Diego Center, at 5211 South 31st Street, Monday – Friday from 1-3 PM. Monetary donation can be made here.
For more information visit ccomaha.org.