‘Big challenges ahead’: Food Bank of Lincoln continues to see rising costs, increasing need

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Food Bank of Lincoln, which helps thousands of families in need, is in some need of its own.

Rising costs and a lack of supply have the organization concerned for its future.

The Food Bank said it is hanging on at the moment but can see some “big challenges ahead.”

It is recording 5 percent to 10 percent increases on just about everything.

“It’s the same things we’re all seeing: bread and milk, and everything that we want to be able to help folks with, the cost just keeps going up,” said John Mabry, the Food Bank’s vice president of fundraising and engagement.

The Food Bank have been dealing with rising costs for two years now, but it’s really starting to take a toll on the budget.

“There are a lot of prices when it comes to meat and dairy products, a lot of those things that are affecting us, just like they’re affecting the public,” Mabry said.

On top of rising costs, there are now other hurdles getting in the way, such as their supply.

“We actually ran out of food at a couple of the recent distributions, and it wasn’t because we didn’t take a lot of food,” Mabry said. “We thought we were really prepared with a lot of great food choices and a lot of food, but we ran out, so we’re a little nervous about that.”

The Food Bank’s supply is disappearing because it’s seeing a major increase in the number of folks showing up to food distribution events looking for their next meal.

“We had over 300 families that were served in Beatrice, and we had a record crowd in Yutan,” Mabry said.

Between cost, supply, and an increase of families, the Food Bank is not receiving enough donations to handle it all.

Will the dollars keep coming in as people try to tighten their budget? They can only hope.

The Food Bank has made a significant ask from the state for some COVID-19 relief money.

The organization said if it comes through, it would help in a big way, but for now, the Food Bank needs your help.

“We just need folks who have supported us in the past to try and continue to support us,” Mabry said.

The Food Bank of Lincoln is in need of donations and volunteers. If you’d like to help, click HERE.