Our community needs our help. Food insecurity is rising. All populations are impacted - children to seniors. That was the basic message when we heard from Michaella Kumke from the Food Bank of Lincoln.
The number of people facing food insecurity in Lincoln is over 7,000. And, across the State of Nebraska the number is staggering - 195,670. She compared that to the number of people attending the Nebraska Volley Ball event in Memorial Stadium - times 2.
That is the number of people who may not know when they will have another meal. They do not have consistent meals and often go hungry.The Food Bank of Lincoln serves about 40,000 households each month.
She shared some national statistics that come from Feeding America. She pointed out that the numbers are about 2 years old. The current report shows that 1 in 8 kids are food insecure - that is an improvement from the last report of 1 in 6. Michaella shared that the statistics reflect the activities during the pandemic. During that time there was an infusion of support - government and community helping the agencies - which helped reduce the number of children served. The sad things is that, post-pandemic, the numbers may worsen.
Michaella shared how important the child hunger programs are. It is unfortunate but many children find that they are not able to truly be children - they are taking on responsibilities for their families. Through the back pack program or the markets at the schools, the children are able to provide food for the household. With school partners, the Food Bank has connected with 6500 children who are able to support their families each month.
The mobile food distribution program has been a big addition to the food bank offerings. In Lincoln there is a mobile distribution the 1st and 3rd Friday every month at the new Food Bank facility. They recently served 1084 households on the 3rd Friday - a tough time for people - as they are trying to make ends meet until the first of the month - to their next pay check.
Lincoln Fresh has been a popular program that basically provides a shopping opportunity at 14 different locations around the City. The focus is on healthy produce - they have provided 48 different varieties of produce. Michaella said that it is fun to see the kids faces - they are excited to have the fresh fruits. It is a nice change from the usual shelf-ready convenient foods that are available at the Food Bank.
Another program is Hometown Fresh which is a truck trailer with a walk-through store that they take to small, out-of-the way communities. It is primarily focused on seniors with an accessible trailer. It is small but provides access to fresh, health produce to seniors in the communities they serve. This truck makes sure people feel welcome and they can shop with dignity. They have served 9 communities, 81 total stops, 74,000 pounds of food and served 3000 households.
Michaella talked about home delivery services for meals. She pointed out that she knows that Lincoln South Rotary volunteers with Tabitha Meals on Wheels. And, she stated that the community recognizes that this should not be only Tabitha serving this need.
The need became more obvious during the pandemic - we were all made more aware of the homebound. Working with Tabitha, United Way, the Hospital Systems, and other community agencies, we are making strides to take better care of our seniors.
She shared that the amount of food that is purchased to support the programs of the Food Bank is high. But, she has reminded us that the purchasing power of the Food Bank is good - so the value of each donated dollar is multiplied. However, the food that they have received from the USDA, etc. has reduced and they hope that will reverse in the future.
Michaella shared a letter that the Food Bank received. She stated that every letter or email message is answered and that they have staff to help connect individuals with services. The letter that she shared indicated an individual that was struggling financially but trying to do his best to keep his home. He was paying child support for a daughter but also was able to have her with him a couple of days a week. He wanted to be sure that he food for those nights.
How humbling was it for him to share his story - and to reach out for help. The staff will help connect him with financial aid and food services so that he can improve his situation and provide for his daughter.
BIO
Michaella Kumke is the President and CEO of the Food Bank of Lincoln. She became the fourth leader of the organization when she succeeded longtime Executive Director Scott Young following his April 2021 retirement.
Kumke has been a Food Bank of Lincoln employee since 2015. Previously she served as Community Engagement Director, co-leading the Food Bank’s $10.3 million capital campaign project, and, prior to that, as Communications Director.
In addition to food banking, she has more than 20 years of professional nonprofit experience, including roles at Nebraska Public Media, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, and Lincoln Children’s Museum. Public education, healthcare, and early childhood development helped to provide a solid foundation for the human services work she does, alongside a team of 30+ mission-minded colleagues.
When she’s not learning from neighbors facing hunger or championing efforts to end hunger, you will likely find Michaella reading an overdue library book, being entertained by one of her 33 nieces or nephews, lending a hand in the community, or exploring trails with her fellow nature-loving spouse Ari and their loveable and anxious mutt Frankie.
