Meeting the need: Platte County Food Pantry to hold annual drive as food insecurity on rise

According to Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap report, food insecurity has risen across every county in Nebraska, with Platte County seeing a significant 51% increase. Currently, one in eight residents, including one in six children, struggle to access healthy meals. Several factors, such as the 2019 floods, the pandemic, and ongoing inflation, have contributed to this growing issue.

Local efforts to combat hunger include the annual 10/11 Can Care-a-Van food drive on June 12, where residents can donate non-perishable goods. Executive Director of the Platte County Food Pantry Jan Berry highlighted the rising cost of food, making it harder to meet the needs of around 2,500 local clients. 

Read the full story: https://columbustelegram.com/news/local/can-careavan-food-insecurity/article_02504e72-1861-11ef-906c-e73d595c22d1.html