Low Income Families Relying on Local Charities for their Holiday Meal
But pantries across the city are struggling to get donations they need.
Omaha, NE – We are one week away from Thanksgiving and many families are relying on local charities for their holiday meal. But pantries across the city are struggling to get donations they need.
Amanda Gordon’s family depends on food pantries during the holidays. She says she wouldn’t have many options if she didn’t get this Thanksgiving bag.
“It probably would be an everyday meal or something you put together because at the end of the month food is short for people like me that are on a fixed income,” says Gordon.
Gordon has been unemployed for more than a year and has four children. This is the second time she’s registered for a holiday meal.
Executive Director Mike Hornacek of Together says it’s been a tough year overall.
“We’ve never in our 37 year history every really struggled like this to get the food that we need,” says Hornacek.
Last year 50% of holiday food came from the government this year, nothing.
“The government sources of food, those big sources that us larger pantries have always had to lean on for our pantries and our holiday programs specifically are gone,” says Hornacek.
That’s because farm prices are high and the USDA isn’t buying excess food. Together hasn’t received government food since June.
Gordon’s one of the lucky ones. Without the help it would make an already difficult holiday even harder.
“Cause that’s the only holiday I really cook for. Other holidays I go to other people’s house but Thanksgiving is one of the hardest,” says Gordon.
You can help by donating to:
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.