Mary Spurgeon advocates for Bellevue Food Pantry expansion to Sarpy County

The Nebraska Health and Human Services Committee meeting on April 30, 2025, highlighted the critical role of the Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership (NCAP) in addressing food insecurity in the Omaha Metropolitan Area, particularly in Sarpy County. Mary Spurgeon, a board member of NCAP, emphasized the growing demand for services at the Bellevue Food Pantry, which has become a vital resource for the community.

Spurgeon noted that the Bellevue Food Pantry, now operated by NCAP, has seen a significant increase in usage, particularly since the economic downturn in 2008. Despite Sarpy County's economic growth, the pantry serves a population with a poverty rate of 8.7%, making it the highest in the county. The pantry not only provides food to walk-in clients but also delivers to households unable to visit due to health or mobility issues, including veterans and active-duty military personnel facing financial challenges.

One innovative aspect of the pantry's service is its meal-based distribution model, which includes recipe suggestions to help families make nutritious meals from the food they receive. This approach alleviates the stress of meal planning and supports families on tight budgets.

Spurgeon highlighted the importance of community involvement, noting that local businesses and schools regularly conduct food drives to support the pantry. The strong community backing reinforces the pantry's reputation as a trusted resource for those in need.

As NCAP looks to expand its services into Sarpy County, the committee's discussions underscored the ongoing need for effective support systems for vulnerable populations. The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration and resource allocation to ensure that essential services like the Bellevue Food Pantry can meet the increasing demands of the community.