‘We can address food insecurity’:18,500 donations collected during Walk to End Hunger
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Walkers took to the track at Pius X High School Sunday night to show support for ending hunger in Lincoln. A drive-through donation site was set up just outside the fence.
Congressman Mike Flood was among those walking, saying it was important to him to show support.
“We, as Americans, as Nebraskans, as people who live in our part of the world, we have to make sure that those who have the resources donate,” Congressman Flood said. “We can address food insecurity and hunger. There are a lot of children that wake up every day in Nebraska, and they haven’t eaten, and don’t have a plan to eat the rest of the day.”
John Soukup, the Development Officer for Catholic Social Services, said CSS distributed more than 13 tons of food just in the last quarter, with the need only growing in the summer months.
“There are those out there that are in need, and that need nutrition, need food,” Soukup said. “It’s not as easy to go to the grocery store sometimes and just pick up whatever you need for some people in our city.”
CSS set a goal of getting 15,000 pounds of food and dollars donated through this event. The final number ended up meeting that goal and setting a new one, with 11,300 pounds of food and $7,200 donated, making the total a whopping 18,500 donations.
“This year is bigger than ever. a lot more contributions are being made from various churches, organizations, and individuals,” Soukup said. “Even on a hot day like today, people are out here marching and walking to end hunger. We’re very, very excited about the turnout.”
