A number of food banks, soup kitchens for hot meals and free emergency food pantries in Lancaster, Nebraska distribute groceries to individuals or families who are in some form of an emergency situation.
There are also meals, free bags of food, personal toiletries and household goods for low to moderate income families from food pantries near you.
Distribution centers can include churches, non-profit organizations, community action agencies, and many other local charities as well as non-profits.
Salvation Army Food Pantry
The Salvation Army is dedicated to eliminating food insecurity.
The Salvation Army operates free local food banks around Lancaster, Nebraska from almost all of their local social service centers. The charity organization is involved in feeding millions of families each year, with a large percentage of those assisted being children as well as the elderly.
We have located 2 Salvation Army Food Pantry locations in Lancaster, Nebraska which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
The Salvation Army - Lincoln, NE: Citadel Corps Community Center
Services provided :
- Boys' & Girls' Club
- Casework Services
- Character Building Programs
- Community Recreation Programs
- Disaster Services
- Emergency Financial Assistance
- Food & Nutrition Programs
- Food Pantry
- Men's Ministries
- Music & Arts Programs
- Pathway of Hope
- Store
- Visitation Services
- Women's Ministries
- Worship Services - Sunday School
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (402) 474-6263 to book your appointment.
Address :
2625 Potter St,
Lincoln, NE 68503.
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The Salvation Army Hastings Corps
The Salvation Army of Hastings, Nebraska, provides food and material assistance, youth activities and worship services for the community. Food Pantry and Material Assistance (Monday - Thursday afternoons, by appointment only)
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (402) 463-0529 to book your appointment.
Address :
400 S Burlington,
Hastings, NE 68503.
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- Hastings
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- Lancaster
Church Food Pantry
A number of churches around Lancaster, Nebraska have food pantries for those in their neighborhoods who are in need of food items.
Churches operate with food donations gathered and deliver to the food pantry nearest you by individuals using food drives.
Some churches also deliver food items to elderly who are unable to drive to a nearest community food pantry. Please contact your local church directly.
We have located 0 Church Food Pantry locations in Lancaster, Nebraska which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Catholic Charities Food Pantry
Resources provided by the Catholic Charity organization focus on addressing food, holiday, and immigration needs.
Families of all religions, backgrounds, and cultures can contact Catholic Charity centers for help.
Catholic Charities in Lancaster, Nebraska are open to families on a first-come, first-serve basis. The centers operate during normal business hours, and provide walk-ins with groceries, food boxes, and items to prepare a meal.
The food pantries are like grocery stores, allow clients the ability to choose the items they need from the groceries that are available on site.
First-time clients of the food pantry will need to apply, and this is done from a one-page application. An applicant will need to provide basic household member as well as demographic information.
We have located 0 Catholic Charities Food Pantry locations in Lancaster, Nebraska which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Helping Hands Food Pantry
Helping Hands is a faith-based 501(c)(3) food pantry operated around Lancaster, Nebraska almost entirely by volunteers.
It provides a 7-day supply of groceries and personal care items free of charge to people in need, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Helping Hands is supported entirely by donations from individuals, service organizations, churches, and businesses in our community.
Find a local helping hands food pantry open near you.
We have located 0 Helping Hand Food Pantry locations in Lancaster, Nebraska which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Mobile Food Pantry
The mobile food pantry program distributes food directly to families in communities around Lancaster, Nebraska in need during large-scale one-day distributions.
A typical mobile pantry serves 200-250 families distributing up to 10,000 pounds of food. This past year over 6.6 million pounds were distributed through this program.
Mobile food pantries usually visit churches, community centers, schools, shopping centers, and other convenient locations. They usually go to areas where there aren't grocery stores or other food pantries.
Mobile Food Pantry Schedule 2024
Unlike traditional food pantries where you go to them, mobile pantry trucks come to you. Food banks sometimes have an online mobile food pantry schedule.
Mobile food pantry scheduled to visit a community once a week or once a month. There may be last-minute cancellations or changes so recheck the mobile food pantry schedule before you plan to go.
We have located 0 Mobile Food Pantry locations in Lancaster, Model.Content.StateName which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry
The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry operates around Lancaster, Nebraska much like a grocery store where people in need can choose their own food. It helps to enhance their personal dignity and reduces waste due to unwanted food items.
It also helps them to be proactive in addressing any underlying health issues. This is our model of choice for food pantries in the future.
We have located 0 St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry locations in Lancaster, Nebraska which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Food Pantry Delivery Program
Food Pantry Delivery Program delivers food and other products once a month at twenty points in around Lancaster, Nebraska area. This makes it just a bit easier for some of more remote rural agencies to receive their products. About 70% of members take advantage of the Food Pantry Delivery Program.
Food Pantry
We have located 10 Food Pantry locations in Lancaster, Nebraska which provides a wide array of services. We have partnered so you can also check your eligibility.
Indian Center Inc. Emergency Food Pantry
Provides 7-day food supply for individuals or families in crisis. Applications for food boxes are accepted Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons between 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and subject to availability (quantities of food are limited). Eligible to pick up every three months (90 days). Must bring Social Security Numbers for all members of the household every time you pick up.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (402) 438-5231 to book your appointment.
Address :
1100 Military Rd,
Lincoln, NE 68508.
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- Lancaster
Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach
Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach (MTKO) is a faith-based hunger relief and outreach program that was established in 1992. Devoted to serving homeless and near homeless men, women, and children, MTKO provides meals twice daily, everyday of the year. Our extensive outreach and advocacy programs include such services as on-site shower and laundry services, basic and emergency needs, life skills training, transitional housing, case management, nutrition counseling, and substance abuse evaluation & counseling. Above all, we believe in providing a warm meal, open heart, and unconditional love to all who walk through our doors. Meals are served daily: Lunch 11:30am - 12:30pm; Supper 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (402) 477-4116 to book your appointment.
Address :
2121 N 27th St,
Lincoln, NE 68501.
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Eastridge Emergency Food Pantry
The Eastridge Emergency Food Pantry’s mission is to provide emergency food to families in crisis in Lincoln. It is operated as a local outreach program by churches in southeast Lincoln. The following churches provided financial support to the Pantry during 2015: Eastridge Presbyterian, Christ United Methodist, Aldersgate United Methodist, Good Shepherd Presbyterian, Vine Congregational, Heritage Presbyterian, and the Unitarian Church.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (402) 488-7844 to book your appointment.
Address :
1135 Eastridge Dr,
Lincoln, NE 68510.
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Good Neighbor Community Center - Shopper's Choice Pantry
GNCC distributes non-perishable like canned food, frozen meat, dry beans, pasta, etc. through our Shopper's Choice Pantry. Individuals with appointments are given the opportunity to walk into our pantry and pick out food for themselves depending on their family sizes and the amount of food available. Clients may receive non-perishable food every 30 days. NOTE: Appointment needed before one can come in for a pantry. Call us at 9 am to set up an appointment. If it is an emergency case, please call the center at 402.477.4173 and explain your situation. Make sure you talk to a staff or volunteer. Perishables: Each Monday and Wednesday, GNCC distributes perishable food like fruits, vegetables, bread, milk, etc. between 10am-12pm. No appointment needed to come in for perishables but we ask for GNCC client cards.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (402) 477-4173 to book your appointment.
Address :
2617 Y St,
Lincoln, NE 68503.
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- Lincoln
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- Lancaster
Lutheran Metro Food Pantry
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (402) 488-2132 to book your appointment.
Address :
1015 Lancaster Ln,
Lincoln, NE 68505.
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Northeast Area Pantry
Bethany Christian Church is the site of the Northeast Area Food Pantry. This emergency food pantry collects donations and fulfills the needs of many in our community. The pantry began in 1979 and was one of the first in Lincoln. The Northeast Area Pantry serves individuals and families-in-crisis who may obtain a seven-day supply of nutritious foods.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (402) 466-1957 to book your appointment.
Address :
1645 N Cotner Blvd,
Lincoln, NE 68505.
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OpeN Shelf
OpeN Shelf is a University of Nebraska-Lincoln initiative administered by the Lutheran Center to help Husker students in need. We recognize that college is expensive and that often students have limited resources. These limited resources may deny students the ability to consistently purchase their own personal care and food items. OpeN Shelf focuses on providing students with hygiene products, in addition we do have offer food products and other food bank sources. OpeN Shelf is a free service. We require no paperwork and the process is easy. Simply come into the Lutheran Center when we are open and pick which products you need off our shelves. Volunteers at OpeN Shelf are not permitted to record or share any personal information about students, and will strive to ensure that every person visiting or utilizing our services will retain a high level of anonymity. While OpeN Shelf is located in the Lutheran Center and ConnectioN Point the pantry is available for all persons in the UNL community regardless of age, race, gender identity or religious affiliation. ConnectioN Point, East Campus: Tuesdays: 2:00 - 5:00 pm, Fridays: 9:00 - 11:00 am
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call to book your appointment.
Address :
1333 N 33rd St,
Lincoln, NE 68503.
Get Directions
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- Lancaster
St. Francis Food Pantry
St. Francis Food Pantry in Lincoln served 8,398 individuals with pantries valued at $235,144.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (402) 474-1600 to book your appointment.
Address :
2241 O St,
Lincoln, NE 68510.
Get Directions
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- Lancaster
OpeN Shelf
OpeN Shelf is a University of Nebraska-Lincoln initiative administered by the Lutheran Center to help Husker students in need. We recognize that college is expensive and that often students have limited resources. These limited resources may deny students the ability to consistently purchase their own personal care and food items. OpeN Shelf focuses on providing students with hygiene products, in addition we do have offer food products and other food bank sources. OpeN Shelf is a free service. We require no paperwork and the process is easy. Simply come into the Lutheran Center when we are open and pick which products you need off our shelves. Volunteers at OpeN Shelf are not permitted to record or share any personal information about students, and will strive to ensure that every person visiting or utilizing our services will retain a high level of anonymity. While OpeN Shelf is located in the Lutheran Center and ConnectioN Point the pantry is available for all persons in the UNL community regardless of age, race, gender identity or religious affiliation. Lutheran Center, City Campus: Mondays: 8:30 - 10:30 am, Fridays: 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call to book your appointment.
Address :
535 N 16th St,
Lincoln, NE 68508.
Get Directions
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Westminster Food Pantry
Fact: Today in Lincoln, Nebraska, there is a growing need for food. The reason for this growing need is the number of households living in or close to poverty. With little or no savings these families and individuals live in the shadow of a crisis or unexpected bill leaving them with no money to buy food. As a response to this growing need, the Westminster Food Pantry was established in the summer of 1992. As part of the Emergency Food Pantry System of the Lincoln Interfaith Council, the Westminster Food Pantry serves emergency food needs only.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (402) 475-6702 to book your appointment.
Address :
2110 Sheridan Blvd,
Lincoln, NE 68502.
Get Directions
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- Lincoln
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- Lancaster
Drive-thru Food Pantries
Since the start of the coronavirus, drive-thru food pantries have become the safest, most efficient way to provide food to our struggling neighbors.
Who can visit a drive-thru pantry?
Drive-thru pantries are open for anyone who needs help getting food. There are no eligibility criteria. Visitors do not need to provide any identification or income statements.
Only two piece of information is asked
- You Zipcode, and
- Number of people in their family.
You dont need to take appointment. Drive-thru pantries are first-come, first served so plan to arrive early.
How do drive-thru pantries actually work?
There are lot of volunteers help at Drive-thru food pantries. While not all drive-thru pantries operate in the same way, here�s how most work:
Staff and volunteers direct visitors to the parking area.
Visitors pull up to the pantry in their car and are usually guided into a clearly marked queue. As people move through the pantry, staff will continue to move the cars forward to get everyone through as quickly and safely as possible.
Checkin.
You are required to fill some information for Pantry's recording keeping.
Food is loaded into the cars.
Pre-packed bags of food, usually full of shelf-stable items like pasta, canned fruit and peanut butter, as well as fresh produce and meats are loaded by volunteers into the trunk of the car.
Pet Food Pantry
One in four pet owners who give up their pets to a shelter say it is because they cannot afford to care for them. Pet Food Pantries are designed to fill the void in the nation�s current assistance programs that exclude the purchase of food and supplies for family pets.
The Pet Food Pantry provides free pet food, for 3 months or less, to pet owners who cannot afford to feed their pets in Lancaster, Nebraska
Who are eligible for Pet Food Pantry
Pet Food Pantry helps people who are:
- All ages, races and marital status
- Unemployed or underemployed
- Retired, living on social security or other limited income
- Physically or mentally disabled
- Experiencing homelessness or housing instability
Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry
Show up early.
This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.
You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.
Remember all documentation.
Many food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.
This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.
It's just your photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.
Use several food banks.
Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.
For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.
Eligible for other programs?
Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.
They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women and Infant Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Ask about extras.
If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.
Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.
Go on different days of the week.
Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.
Be polite to workers.
Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food pantry?
Specifically, food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. Who can go to food pantry?
At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.
4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?
A food pantry provides three-day food packages to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.
5. How does a food pantry work?
Food Banks acquire large donations of edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.