Local man helping curb food insecurity, while also supporting farmers through Nebraska grant
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — From farm fields to food pantries, one Nebraska man is making a local impact. ‘
Nolan Lemna received a three-year, $200,000 Nebraska Environmental Trust Grant.
He is using the money to buy food from local farmers and donate it to Catholic Social Services in Lincoln and the Community Action in Kearney.
“I kind of put two and two things together, thinking, is there a way I could support our produce farmers who are doing a lot of work, and also feed the hungry,” Lemna said.
The project involves a broad range of farmers who practice conservation-minded agriculture.
Lemna partnered with the Nebraska Sustainable Ag Society to find and work with farmers across the state.
“I’m identifying farmers who are doing sustainable practices,” Lemna said. “Think of caring for wildlife, conserving water, regenerating the soil, cover cropping, all of the conservation-minded practices.”
So far, Lemna has been given 6,000 pounds of ground beef, 1,000 pounds of flour, over 300 cartons of eggs and around 700 pounds of produce.
Not only does that go a long way for families in need, but it also takes a little bit of pressure off of the farmers.
“This is giving them a good outlet to be rewarded for their great products that they are producing in an environmentally sound way,” Lemna said. “It relieves them of that extra task of bringing it to a consumer. I’m providing a market, I’m paying them fairly, and we’re distributing it to people in need.”
In the next two years with the grant, Lemna is hoping to expand his program and get more farmers involved.
Another one of his goals includes inspiring other communities to do the same.
“I set out to support the farmers, and support their missions and support our communities,” he said. “I want to feed as many people as we can, and do whatever I can to help the bigger picture. Overall, I would just encourage everyone to keep buying local, keep supporting our farmers who are doing things the right way, caring about the environment and the next generation.”
