Welcome to ‘Food for Thought‘ – a new monthly column from ENCAP and the Bellevue Food Pantry!
The Bellevue Food Pantry has been serving the community for approximately 25 years. Hunger relief services have been made possible by many hands and meaningful partnerships throughout the pantry’s history.
Today, the Bellevue Food Pantry serves approximately 800 individuals each month, is open for distribution four full days per week, and offers food delivery service for those who may be experiencing transportation or other barriers keeping them from easily accessing pantry services. The Bellevue Food Pantry offers meal-based, supplemental food for those who may be experiencing food insecurity across Sarpy County. Meal-based distribution began in January of 2022, and was implemented as a more intentional strategy to ensure that households can create meals with the items that they receive.
“Rather than a random assortment of non-perishable items, we work hard to put together a pantry that includes all of the items a household would need for two dinner meals, two lunch options, breakfast items, and snack items,” said Deanna Wagner, Bellevue Food Pantry Manager. “We include new recipe suggestions each month, and thanks to the generosity of the community, and our partners, we are typically able to offer fresh or frozen meats, bread, and dairy options as available.” The Bellevue Food Pantry also offers emergency rent and utility assistance on a limited basis, and referrals for additional community supports.
“Our community is remarkable. People often ask us how they can help support the pantry,” said Wagner. “Food drives, monetary donations, and spreading the word are all excellent ways to engage. Each month on our Facebook page, we post a monthly needs list to help guide monthly donations.”
In order to be eligible for services at the Bellevue Food Pantry, guests must be a resident of Sarpy County, show a photo ID, and complete a simple one-page information form on their first visit, then just a photo ID for subsequent visits. Hours of operation are Monday from 9am-4pm, Tuesday from 9am-4pm, Wednesday from 9am-6pm, and Thursday 9am-4pm.
For more information and to stay up to date on news and engagement opportunities, follow us on Facebook: @Bellevue NE Food Pantry; Instagram at @encapnebraska; Twitter at @encap_nebraska; or our website at encapnebraska.org.
Editor’s Note: Also keep an eye out on the main Bellevue Times page for a list of current Bellevue Food Pantry needs. It is pinned to the main page of the App and website and will be updated monthly. It will look something like this:
