Food Bank for the Heartland brings relief to the community with Mobile BackPack program

Juli Oberlander • October 1, 2020

Food Bank for the Heartland brings relief to the community with Mobile BackPack program

Photos courtesy of Angie Grote

For many around the world, 2020 has been an unprecedented year in terms of hardship and loss. Food Bank for the Heartland is working to ensure Omahans are healthy and provided with access to fresh, local food.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all of us, but for thousands of our neighbors, the impact has been devastating," says Angie Grote, communications manager for Food Bank for the Heartland. "Food insecurity rates have spiked, and more individuals and families than ever are seeking emergency food assistance. Many never fathomed being in this situation."

While COVID-19 has affected people both physically and financially, many organizations have lent their resources to help. Grote says Food Bank for the Heartland distributed 28.1 million meals over the last fiscal year (July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020), 5.5 million more than the previous year.

In response to the pandemic, Food Bank for the Heartland swiftly launched the Mobile BackPack program on March 20. Grote says the team worked with partners in Omaha and Council Bluffs to provide meals for children in need after schools. At its 18 Mobile BackPack sites, Food Bank for the Heartland distributed more than 421,000 meals before the program concluded on Aug. 7, often to families, children, seniors and other populations in critical situations.

Grote says one of the most inspiring stories from the pandemic was from a Mobile BackPack distribution day. On that day, a minivan pulled into the food distribution line at Miller Park Elementary. Inside were Amanda, Stephen and their three children.

Soon after COVID-19 began, Grote says they lost their jobs and had been struggling to find steady work since. The family was waiting in line with others to pick up nutritious meals for their children at the drive-thru distribution. Amanda was deeply affected as masked volunteers opened the trunk of their van and loaded a week’s worth of breakfasts, lunches, fresh produce and cold milk for each child.

“It allows that part of the budget to go elsewhere, and we get a good variety of food on the table,” Amanda says. “It really helps when trying to balance being a teacher, parent and kitchen aid all at once. It’s a definite blessing.”

Visit the Food Bank for the Heartland website to learn more about how the organization is helping the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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