Food Bank of Lincoln works with local restaurants to help raise donations

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Food Bank of Lincoln on Wednesday held their 34th annual Dine out to Help Out event, which partners with 92 local restaurants.

Those restaurants will be donating 10% of the day’s sales to the Food Bank of Lincoln.

The event coincides with Hunger Action Month, a dedicated time for food banks and advocates to take action to fight hunger in our communities.

Michaella Kumke, the food bank’s president and CEO, said the event’s purpose is to encourage people to dine out at local restaurants, while also helping out others.

“The most important thing about an event like Dine Out to Help Out is that it brings people from across the community together, you know, it supports local businesses,” she said. “And then ultimately, it puts meals on tables for people who may not have the resources otherwise.”

Kumke said they typically generate as many as 75 thousand to 100 thousand meals for those in need thanks to the event’s proceeds.

“We have an increase in our lines and neighbors needing that additional support so, if you’re in a position you can dine out today and it’s gonna do a whole lot of good for a neighbor in need,” she said.

The food bank said no matter what you’re craving, with so many restaurants participating today it’s easy to find one where you can fulfill those cravings while supporting neighbors in need.

One restaurant participating today was 402 Creamery, which has two locations in Lincoln.

Shianne Yarrington, a manager at the downtown location, said they try to give back to the community often so they’re excited to be part of the annual event.

“I think it’s really cool that they got so many businesses to do it all on the same day,” Yarrington said. “We are doing a peanut butter and jelly flavor because for the food bank that’s like their staple, and that’s what they give out to most of the kids that come in.”

To make a direct donation to the food bank, Kumke said to look for the blue barrels around town or go to their website.