Free produce distributed in Gage County by Molina Healthcare amid rising food insecurity

Lincoln, Neb. (KLKN) — Families in Beatrice had the chance to take home fresh fruits and vegetables Monday as a free produce distribution aimed to make nutritious food more accessible.

Molina Healthcare of Nebraska purchased 150 boxes of fresh produce from Whispering Roots, which packed and delivered the boxes for the giveaway at the Indian Creek Mall parking lot.

“So today we’ll be giving out 150 free produce boxes to the community,” said Kellie Carlin with Molina Healthcare of Nebraska. “Anybody can come through. We’ll load them up with a produce box, and they’ll be on their way.”

Volunteers loaded the boxes directly into vehicles as people drove through the parking lot. The boxes were available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies lasted.

Organizers said they specifically chose to distribute fresh produce because fruits and vegetables can sometimes be harder for families to access than other pantry staples.

“You know, I think a lot of the produce distributions, they do give out a lot of the staples that go into the homes,” Carlin said. “But sometimes there’s not as much produce, fruits and vegetables that are handed out to the families.”

Food insecurity has become a growing concern in Gage County. According to Feeding America, 17.3% of county residents are considered food insecure, compared with 15.8% statewide.

Gage County’s food insecurity rate has risen 35% in a four-year period.

Carlin said several factors can make it difficult for families to consistently keep nutritious food in their homes.

“Access to nutritious food is an important part of maintaining good health,” Carlin said. “And for some families, the cost of groceries, transportation, or limited access to healthy food options can make it more difficult to consistently put fresh fruits and vegetables in the home.”

Through distributions like these, organizers hope to make fresh food a little easier for families to access, one box at a time.

Molina Healthcare of Nebraska said it holds similar food distribution events in communities across the state.