News and Community Voices
Every day, Food Bank for the Heartland works with community leaders, donors, volunteers, and Network Partners to create a healthier Heartland. Learn more about the latest developments in the fight against hunger and the work being done to help our neighbors in need.
Shine the Light on Hunger campaign sets a record
The annual Shine the Light on Hunger campaign collected a record-breaking number of meals for families and individuals facing hunger.
Shine the Light on Hunger campaign sets a record
The annual Shine the Light on Hunger campaign collected a record-breaking number of meals for families and individuals facing hunger.
Influx in EBT fraud affects several Nebraska families
DHHS and law enforcement are working to help many Nebraskans impacted by a recent influx in EBT fraud.
Food Donors Provide Significant Support in FY 2025
A huge “thank you” to the food retailers and manufacturers who collectively donated more than 9.8 million meals at a value of more than $22.5 million to the Food Bank in FY 25. That represents more than one-third of all meals we distributed last year!
Nebraska charities concerned about new law
Nonprofits across Nebraska are concerned that a new law could limit donations from grocery stores, restaurants, or agricultural producers.
Shine the Light on Hunger campaign helps Heartland neighbors
The 19th annual Shine the Light on Hunger campaign kicked off on November 18. Learn more about why this year’s campaign is more critical than ever.
Community shows overwhelming response to city-wide food drive
In just one week, more than 41,000 lbs. of food were collected in Omaha to help neighbors in need during the government shutdown. Hear why this support is critical.
Pause in SNAP benefits puts food pantries and food banks in an impossible situation
Already facing the highest need they’ve seen in their history, Food Bank for the Heartland says a pause in SNAP benefits will further strain the charitable food system.
Current & Upcoming Events
Celebrity Chef 2026
Celebrate 25 years of impact at the 2026 Celebrity Chef fundraising event, featuring Aarón Sánchez! Our Culinary Cook-Off is back, featuring some of Omaha’s top chefs! Join us on Thursday, February 19, 2026 for an unforgettable experience!
Cubby’s launches campaign to help food banks fight hunger
Food Bank for the Heartland and Cubby’s team up for a register round-up campaign to fight hunger across the Midwest.
Woodhouse BackPack Match
1 in 5 Heartland children is facing hunger. Woodhouse Auto Family has stepped up to help with a $500,000 match for our BackPack Program, which provides weekend meals for 8,700 children each week during the school year.
Featured Story
The Dish: Our Quarterly Newsletter
The Dish: Fall 2025 Edition
The situation is critical. Federal funding cuts are affecting food banks nationwide, and every day, Heartland families make heart-wrenching decisions on whether they purchase food or other vital essentials. Learn more from a neighbor in rural Iowa, mark your calendars for Celebrity Chef and several other events, and get the latest updates on our new facility, the Farm Bill, and more!
The Dish: Summer 2025 Edition
Due to cuts to federal funding, the Food Bank and our partners are facing significant challenges in the fight against hunger. Together, we are navigating this uncertainty through collaboration and community support. See the latest food insecurity rates from Feeding America, discover how you can help advocate for our neighbors, and learn how communities across the Heartland are stepping up with kindness and delivering hope.
The Dish: Spring 2025 Edition
In a season filled with uncertainty, this edition of The Dish provides a generous helping of hope, thanks to your support. Discover how a panty in Fremont, Nebraska is providing a lifeline to neighbors in need, get an update on the Food Bank’s new facility, and see the results and photos from Celebrity Chef. This issue also celebrates National Volunteer Month, provides important advocacy updates, and more!
The Dish: Winter 2025 Edition
As childhood hunger rates rise, learn how your support is allowing Food Bank for the Heartland to expand its programs and help Heartland children. Plus, see how you can double your impact through a generous match, make your voice heard by becoming a Food bank advocate, learn more about our upcoming Celebrity Chef fundraiser, and more!
The Dish: Fall 2024 Edition
Learn how the Food Bank’s new facility is rising to meet the need, purchase your tickets for the 24th annual Celebrity Chef Event, discover different ways you can get involved with the Food Bank, and more.
The Dish: Summer 2024 Edition
Learn how your support gave one woman the hope to overcome adversity and how your support affects the Food Bank’s mission, discover the harsh truths of rising food insecurity across the Heartland, become a Monthly Meal Maker to offer assurance to our community, and more.