Helping others: Omaha-area food pantry tips, locations

Imagine going to bed having not eaten all day. Or being a parent and skipping a meal, so your child gets something to eat that day. Some parents lay in bed, worrying about how they’ll feed their children the next day.

Almost 245,000 Nebraskans experience hunger daily. About 389,000 Iowans lack sufficient meals. More than 15% of Nebraska and Iowa children don’t have enough food to eat. More than 38 million Americans are food insecure. These people have no idea where their next meal is coming from. Or if they’ll eat anytime soon.

“People are struggling, and have been for a long time now,” said Rev. Brenda Peters of Unity Church in Omaha. “And it’s time to do something different, and time to help each other. Food inequality or insecurity, it’s very real.”

Peters’ church is one of the outlets around Nebraska and Iowa where people can access free food at pantries.

Her small church of about 70 members, located inside the former home of Idelman Telemarketing, has been helping people in need of food since 2017. A small free food pantry is located outside the building.

Nonperishable items, such as canned food, beans, noodles and cereal are often donated. But, people can use groceries such as powdered milk, rice and freeze-dried fruit, Peters said.

“People don’t think about that kind of stuff, but at least you’re getting your fruit,” she said.

Church volunteers fill the pantry daily, but the times vary, Peters said. People will also stop by and fill the pantry, themselves, she said.

People can also drop off food directly at the church office during business hours.

In addition to the free food pantry, Unity Church also sponsors a pet pantry, where people can donate food for cats and dogs, Peters said.

Other items needed for pets include hair brushes, toothbrushes and diapers for older dogs, she said.

“Toys, of course, because that’s an extra item that people might not have money for,” Peters said.

While the federal government has reopened, SNAP recipients and others likely need to plan for further delays in receiving funds, so food banks and pantries will continue to play important roles in people’s lives.

Food pantries, food banks and other outlets

Here is a list of Omaha-area food banks, pantries and other services. If you live outside of the Metro area, or another state, please review your area’s assistance opportunities:

• Unity Church, 3424 N. 90th Street, Omaha
• Tyler Anderson Memorial, North Spruce Street, Valley
• The Garden Gallery, 2721 N. 206th Street, Elkhorn
• Faith Westwood United Methodist Church, 4814 Oaks Lane, Omaha
• Bellevue Food Pantry, 1912 Hancock St., Bellevue
• Deer Park Food Pantry, So. 20th Street and Deer Park Blvd., Omaha
• Living Hope Food Pantry/Food Distribution Center,  6001 Fontenelle Blvd., Omaha
• Little Free Pantry, Avery Presbyterian Church, 1910 Avery Road E, Bellevue
• Joseph’s Coat/Washington County Food Pantry, 1737 Washington St., Blair
• Care Corps Lifehouse’s Food Pantry, 549 N. H St., Fremont
• The Table @ Salem, 401 E. Military Avenue,  Fremont
• Platte County Food Pantry, 3020 18th St. #13, Columbus
• Simon House Pantry – Food Distribution Center, 1853 10th Ave., Columbus
• Food Bank for the Heartland, 10525 J St., Omaha