Community Calls Upon Center for People in Need as Impact of Pandemic is Felt Locally
As local businesses implemented furloughs and layoffs, the Center for People in Need (cfpin.org) saw a definite increase in demand. More than 325 new families signed up for Center services in a span of three weeks. Now, the Center is distributing food to more than 1,100 families per week, and the numbers continue to rise.
“We’ve seen a steady increase in need, as more and more people come to our drive-thru distribution,” said Steve Sheridan, the Center’s deputy director. “So far, we’ve seen about 100 new families each week.”
“This isn’t unexpected,” said Executive Director Chris Funk. “We knew need would increase. Projections from Feeding America, a national hunger-relief organization, estimate that across the country, food insecurity will increase 45% over the next six months. In Nebraska, that would mean an additional 100,000 hungry people.”
The increase in demand is stretching resources, as the Center’s employees balance their dedication to serving the community with the needs of their own families.
“Transitioning to distributing pre-bagged food in a low-contact drive-thru has been tough,” Sheridan said. “Many of our staff are doing completely different jobs now, but we are dedicated to serving our community through this crisis.”
The Center for People in Need is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to helping low-income people achieve economic independence. For the safety of clients and staff, Center services are currently limited to food and diaper distribution. Please make a donation today at cfpin.org and help keep Lincoln fed.
