
On January 31, 2025 at Lincoln South Rotary Club, we heard from Mason Keim of the Food Fort.
Mason thanked Lincoln South Rotary Club for the invitation to share the Food Fort story. He mentioned that he was familiar with our visitor Mike Wortman (who was visiting Lincoln South Rotary) - his principal from Lincoln High. He also mentioned he was acquainted with Elijah Riley and was glad to hear that we were supporting his organization - Big Gumdrop Outdoors.
He stated that the Food Fort - simply stated - was dedicated to serving underserved youth. The tagline under their logo - Feeding Our Future. Youth were often found around town - handing out at playgrounds - sometimes at schools. They do not always have a consistent adult presence. The organization grew out of those observations - feeling they could serve those populations by traveling to the schools - finding the youth that need the services.
Their mission:
Food Fort is a non profit dedicated to serving children in under resourced neighborhoods. In addition to providing food for those children in need, our mission is to provide more than just a meal. We seek to provide respect, love, relationships, and a constant support system in their lives. Feeding, loving and growing our future.
Food Fort is a non profit dedicated to serving children in under resourced neighborhoods. In addition to providing food for those children in need, our mission is to provide more than just a meal. We seek to provide respect, love, relationships, and a constant support system in their lives. Feeding, loving and growing our future.
They currently travel to Clinton, West Lincoln and Saratoga. They are unique in that all of their services are mobile - they travel to the youth. Services are free and at-will. They do not have any expectations of the youth that choose to use any or their services - they can use any or all - and they are at no charge. The services are provided year round.
The Food Fort provides food - free food. But, they also offer other support. Youth are not required to participate in the additional programs - they can choose just to eat.
The Food Fort Bus provides food - meals for youth and families. It is a safe place where youth can eat and share fellowship. The volunteers are caring adult role models which many youth have missing from their life.
The Tree Top Trailer is a trailer that has been fitted with work space. The volunteers have varied backgrounds are are prepared to support the youth in whatever they need. Perhaps they want help with Math. Perhaps they are interested in learning Spanish. Again, the volunteers provide an adult presence and support the youth by helping with homework, setting goals or just to help them make decisions about their education.
Youth are not required to participate - it is optional. They make sure that anyone is welcome to eat the food offered on the Food Fort Bus - no obligations. They may choose to use the services offered through the Tree Top Trailer but it is not a condition of getting a meal.
The Giving Garden has various benefits. Through community partners, the trailer offers fresh produce during the summer months. The produce comes from various volunteers from many cultures. This provides an opportunity for education on how to use different types of produce for healthy meals.
The Food Fort realized that they wanted to help youth beyond high school - to see those youth become successful members of our community. They have been able to offer scholarships to support advanced education - up to four $10,000 scholarships per year. Mason pointed out that their scholarships are more than just providing money - the scholarships are affiliated with organizations that are connected with Food Fort. They want to walk hand-in-hand with the youth - continue to mentor and support them.
They are working with an annual budget of $165,000. In 2025 they hope to purchase and update their current bus and expand to a 4th school location.
BIO
Mason Keim is a Lincoln, Nebraska native. Mason graduated from the University of Nebraska in 2022 after studying Political Science and Human Rights. During his time in college, Mason worked at a Montessori preschool, where he led the toddler classroom for five years. He also worked at Civic Nebraska and interned with Food Fort during this time.
After graduation, Mason decided to pursue a career in nonprofit work, eventually landing at Food Fort as their Fundraising Director. Mason enjoys working with youth and addressing the deeper needs of under-resourced communities through service.
During his free time, Mason enjoys all things Husker sports, being active outdoors, and spending time with friends or family.