Snap benefits shutdown
hunger relief fund
The SNAP shutdown is likely to effect thousands of our neighbors in the coming weeks, just as Christmas rounds the corner. Nearly 5,000 people in the Kearney community live in poverty, including children, elderly, disabled individuals and those living with significant illnesses. This does not include those whose income is insufficient to meet their needs and yet have experienced the “benefits cliff.” A benefits cliff is when people earn just a little too much to access benefits such as SNAP, medicaid or daycare support, causing their families' resources to fall below what it would with those resources.
Amidst the Federal Government shut down and SNAP benefits pause, we have set up a fund that will run until November 7th to aid in Hunger Relief for local Kearney residents. All funds raised will be directed to local food pantries to purchase food as soon as possible in order to assist in the rising needs during the federal government shutdown. Recipients of the dollars will include Jubilee Center, Community Action Partnership, Salvation Army, Storehouse, Eastlawn Food Pantry and the United Way Free Little Pantries. Donors can donate to the general fund, which will be divided between the pantries, or designate to a specific pantry.
Donate here or mail a check to United Way 4009 6th Ave Ste. 19 Kearney, NE 68845. Note "Hunger Relief Fund" with your donation.
Food Drive
Multiple locations are participating in a local food drive to support those in need in the midst of the SNAP shut down.
- On-site Food Drive at Apple Market from 10am-2pm on Saturday, November 1st.
- Drop off location at Kearney Family YMCA from 11/3-11/7
- Drop off location at Kearney SportsPlex from 11/3-11/7
sponsor a thanksgiving meal
You can also sponsor a Thanksgiving meal for someone in need by sponsoring a ticket to Friendsgiving on November 8. Tickets will be gifted through United Way partner agencies.