What a treat to hear from the Communications Director of the Food Bank of Lincoln and Lancaster County - Michaela Kumke on December 15 at Lincoln South Rotary Club.
Michaela shared statistics about the need for the food bank services in the area. She pointed out that 1 in 6 kids are food insecure. If you look at a group of kids you can't help but wonder which one is not going to have a meal that day. 20,140 children suffer from “food insecurity” in Southeast Nebraska.
She pointed out how important the schools and teachers are in helping the kids. The teachers make sure that the kids know of the services and often give of their own resources to make sure kids do not go without.
The Food Bank provides services through the schools - not only the Back Pack program but also food markets in the schools. That has been very popular as the students can select different types of foods - more foods - to ensure their family is taken care of over the weekend. With the Back Pack program there is a set menu - and it is the same each weekend. They have programs in 90 schools in Southeast Nebraska.
The act of feeding - the exchange of one person giving food to another - is powerful. Also, we often think of food and special meals when we are celebrating. Yet many people will not experience that special meal. Our help through the Food Bank can help make that happen.
Michaela reminded us that the food bank does not just provide food - it does not just fill stomachs - but it helps people find hope and happiness.
She helped Lincoln South Rotary Club for our ongoing support.