OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Food assistance organizations in Omaha are reporting unprecedented demand as summer break eliminates access to free school meals for thousands of children.
The Salvation Army served more than 2,500 meals from June 1 through June 16, a 70% increase from the nearly 1,500 meals served during the same period last year.
“Family Meal of Hope is off to a very strong, very fast start in the 2026 season — that even exceeded our expectations coming into the season,” said Todd Andrews of the Salvation Army Omaha.
Nightly meal distribution increases 20%
The Salvation Army started the summer cooking just under 200 meals each night. The organization now prepares 240 meals nightly and demand continues to climb…