BROKEN BOW – The Food Bank of the Heartland will once again return to Broken Bow, this time in the parking lot of the Berean Church at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 25.
In keeping with recent tradition, food distribution will take place on a drive-thru system; those picking up food will not have to leave their vehicles, a relief for many as Nebraska mornings this time of year are hesitant to warm up right away.
Organizer Christie Trumbull says that first-timers might be surprised with just how much they’ll be taking home.
“You’ll get one community box per family, one produce box, and usually one loaf of bread.”
Trumbull explains that the pantry is open to any and all without restriction, and urges those in the area to take advantage of that by expanding their “families” to include the community at large.
“There may be people who say, ‘We’re good right now, we don’t need it.’ You may be doing all right, but maybe your neighbor’s too shy to come out, or maybe your neighbor physically can’t get out. You might even know someone three doors down that for whatever reason doesn’t know about the pantry. Take it to them.”
Each person picking up from the pantry on Saturday can do so for up to 4 families; the only request, Trumbull says, is that pickups don’t happen all at once; to keep the lines moving smoothly and to distribute equally, those picking up should rotate back in line after completing each household’s order.
Trumbull says participation is vital to the continued success of the food pantry in Broken Bow, as the community runs the risk of its disappearance if numbers dwindle too low.
“A few years ago when we started the mobile pantry, we were getting enough food for 500 families; we had to decrease down to 300. We’re at 350 now, but that’s all we get. If we have greater turnout, though, we can increase that need.”
Those using the mobile food pantry this Saturday are asked to follow only 2 simple instructions: not to show up too early before the 9 a.m. start, and to ensure their cars are parked while queued up, to keep everyone safe
