Help Fill the Gap: Community Food & Fund Drive

GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (October 31, 2025) Many local families are feeling the strain as SNAP benefits are temporarily paused. Essentials like milk, eggs, and fresh produce have become harder for some of our neighbors to afford — and together, we can help bridge that gap.

“From infants and children to seniors and individuals with disabilities, many rely on these benefits to access nutritious food. These cuts will place additional strain on local food pantries and nonprofits, which are already operating with limited resources. We must come together as a community, united, to ensure every person has the food and support they need to thrive," said Heartland United Way President and Chief Professional Officer Karen Rathke.

Heartland United Way is joining forces with local partners to ensure families have access to the nutritious food they need. You can make a difference in two meaningful ways:

Donate Food
Drop off nonperishable food items at any local food pantry to help keep their shelves stocked for families in need.

Donate Funds
Heartland United Way will collect financial donations that will be designated to Hope Harbor and Crossroads Mission Avenue to provide fresh foods like milk, eggs, meat and produce — items that are vital but often in short supply. The Heartland United Way will match donations to the Fill the Gap Fund up to $10,000 to also help smaller food pantries in our 4-county area.

To donate or find a food pantry near you, go to heartlandunitedway.org/help-fill-gap.
Every can, carton, and dollar makes a difference. United is the way we can ensure no family goes without the nourishment they need during this difficult time.