Families in the Council Bluffs community have a vital resource this summer, with free meals offered to children on Wednesdays. These programs ensure that those who typically rely on school lunches don’t go hungry when classes are out.

Food insecurity is taking hold of La Plata County, hitting families in unexpected ways and drawing concern from local leaders. A local food equity leader points out that this challenge has far-reaching consequences for friends and neighbors alike.

Fairbury Elks Lodge 1203 has received $10,000 in grants from a national foundation, earmarked for area nonprofits and school districts. The funds aim to help feed local families and bolster students’ resources, underscoring the power of community-driven philanthropy.

A small grocery store in Oquossoc is harnessing the power of community support to tackle food insecurity. Through a pay-it-forward system, The Farmer’s Daughter has extended more than $2,000 in assistance to neighbors in need.

For the second consecutive year, the Salvation Army in Omaha is offering a vital summer meals program to help families who are struggling with food insecurity. Operating at four locations, this initiative provides a much-needed resource to those in need of steady, nutritious meals.

A recent study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reveals that 2.5 million Americans lost their SNAP benefits in late 2025. The drop stemmed from a GOP megabill that introduced stricter work requirements and shifted costs to states, resulting in reduced resources for low-income families.

Amid an ongoing federal funding shortfall, Firstrust Bank is stepping in to support Transportation Security Administration employees at Philadelphia International Airport by expanding critical food assistance programs. This initiative is designed to help address food insecurity and provide immediate relief for workers impacted by reduced federal support.

In Texas, where food insecurity is on the rise, advocates are urging state officials to restore a summer food assistance program that was recently cut from the state budget. This program, they argue, could benefit millions of children during the months when school-based meals are less accessible.

Joey DiMaggio has embraced a vegan-like diet to help combat both personal health struggles and food insecurity. He focuses on cooking plant-based meals that feel like “food that is familiar,” proving that going meat and dairy-free can still be comforting.

In a remarkable show of support, New Salem Lutheran donated 850 pounds of ground beef to the Bemidji Community Food Shelf, bringing generosity to local tables. The church’s youth raised money throughout 2025 to purchase and process two cows, which were then shared with the community.