Mayor Encourages Community to Donate Funds to Food Bank of Lincoln
Published on November 04, 2025
About 26,000 community members affected by food assistance disruption
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird today encouraged community members to support their neighbors during the pause of the federal government’s food assistance program by making a financial donation to the Food Bank of Lincoln. To donate, visit lincolnfoodbank.org.
“We know that when our neighbors need help, Lincoln always answers the call,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said. “Today, our message is clear: if you are able, please consider making a financial contribution to the Food Bank of Lincoln. For every dollar you donate, the Food Bank helps provide about two meals for neighbors facing hunger. The Food Bank’s ability to purchase food supplies at a discount means your donation goes further, and a financial donation to the Food Bank is currently the most effective way to help local families in need.”
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been disrupted since October 29 due to the federal government shutdown that began October 1, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. There are about 26,000 SNAP recipients who live in Lancaster County, according to the Food Bank of Lincoln.
Joining Mayor Gaylor Baird at a news conference in the warehouse of the Food Bank of Lincoln were Sean Flowerday, Lancaster County Commissioner, and Tiffany Murray, Food Bank of Lincoln Chief Operating Officer.
Flowerday announced that the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners will appropriate $250,000 for emergency funding to assist families affected by the government shutdown. Partners at United Way and Lincoln Community Foundation are working with private donors and the philanthropic community to build a response fund for emergency support to local food pantries, community nonprofits, and partner agencies that are working around the clock to meet increased demand, he said.
“Our local community has stepped up with incredible generosity to help families put food on the table, but without federal funding, these stop-gap measures cannot be sustained, leaving vulnerable households at risk once local dollars run out. Long-term stability in SNAP assistance depends on federal investment,” Flowerday said.
Citing Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap report, Murray said that an estimated 47,380 community members are experiencing hunger in Lancaster County. To help address that need, she said the Food Bank partners with 69 nonprofit organizations in Southeast Nebraska, including 40 pantries, hot meal sites and community organizations in Lincoln and Lancaster County.
Financial donations help the Food Bank secure healthy, nutritious food and build a steady inventory for its partners, enabling them to meet the rising needs at their sites. Now, she said, even more individuals and families are asking questions about how they will put food on the table “and some are doing so for the first time.”
“We want our neighbors to know that we are here for you during these uncertain times, and we will continue to be here for you as long as you need us,” Murray said. “Whether you're facing a sudden challenge, managing ongoing worries, or navigating uncertainty. We all need food to thrive. Together, we can ensure no one in our community has to worry where their next meal will come from.”
Mayor Gaylor Baird noted two recent changes in City services to support those negatively impacted by the disruption of SNAP benefits:
- Beginning Wednesday, November 5, Aging Partners will provide hot meals to residents age 60 and older in two 45-minute sessions, 11:15 a.m. to noon and 12:15 to 1 p.m., at Victory Park, 600 S. 70th St. Meal reservations are required two days in advance by calling 402-441-7154.
- The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department now provides a map of food resource locations at lincoln.ne.gov/health. The interactive map includes food pantries, FoodNet sites, free meal locations, and little free pantries.
Community members are reminded that the “F” Street Community Center, 1225 “F” St., serves free meals for those ages 2 through 18 at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and free lunch from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 to 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Lunch for those age 55 and older is available at noon for $3 Monday through Friday.
Those who need food are invited to use the Food Finder tool at lincolnfoodbank.org, which provides information about Food Bank partners’ food resources and Food Bank distributions.