Nebraska Army National Guard Assists Center for People in Need with Distribution

Increased demand for food distributions has put a strain on hunger-fighting organizations across the country, including the Center for People in Need (cfpin.org). More than 550 new families have signed up for their services since late March, and demand continues to grow. Nebraska’s Army National Guard teamed up with the Center on April 30 to help serve the increasing number of families in the community struggling with food insecurity. The Guard began assisting the Center on continued helping bag and distribute food and diapers through May.

“The Center now serves more than 1,200 families every week,” said the Center’s Executive Director Chris Funk. “Having the National Guard here has really helped.”

Experts estimate there could be a 45% increase in food insecurity in the next few months. Locally, that could mean 18,207 more hungry residents of Lancaster County. Already, the Center is seeing an average of 75 new families sign up for services each week.

“With the Guard’s help, we’ve been able to bag more food, run our drive-through more efficiently, and give our staff some relief,” said deputy director Steve Sheridan.

“Eventually, the threat of COVID-19 will pass, and we will celebrate with the rest of the world when that happens,” Funk said. “But the economic impact of the pandemic won’t magically disappear. Rest assured, we’ll be here to serve as long as there are people in need.”

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.