(Harlan) -- A local food bank is partnering with a business in the area to help bring food to families in need.
Food Bank for the Heartland is partnering with Farm Credit Services of America to host a mobile food pantry Monday in Harlan from 4-6 p.m. Angie Grote is communications manager for Food Bank for the Heartland. She says her organization continues to see a large need for food in the area.
"We're seeing a lot of families continuing to struggle with food insecurity," said Grote. "Even though the economy is improving, we're seeing veterans, multi-generational families and single-parent families working multiple minimum wage jobs just not able to make ends meet each month. That's why the food bank is here. With the help of our very generous supporters across our service, we are able to provide food for these folks who would otherwise -- and oftentimes do -- go without."
Grote says the food bank is hosting mobile food pantries in multiple communities through October.
"It's free to any individual or family who may benefit from food assistance," said Grote. "No identification is required. We just ask that folks come out and if you're able to bring some bags or boxes to help carry the food that you receive, that would be really appreciated."
Grote says the mobile pantry in Harlan is open to all Shelby County and surrounding community residents. Other mobile pantries are scheduled throughout eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. Grote says a variety of food items will be available.
"We'll have shelf-stable items like cereal, pancake mix, spaghetti and tomato sauce," said Grote. "We also have a variety of fresh produce like carrots, potatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe, cabbage and apples. So, it's a really great assortment of items that will be available."
Grote says volunteers are needed and are always welcomed.
"We're so grateful for the support that we receive in the communities where we have pantry partners," said Grotethe generosity of folks in the heartland just never ceases to amaze me. Neighbors really want to help their neighbors out. We often say that someone you know may be food insecure. It could be an employee at a restaurant or business that you patronize. It may be an elderly neighbor. It may be a single parent at your church or a classmate at your child's school."
For more information on mobile food pantries in your area, or to volunteer. Visit the Food Bank for the Heartland website.
