STEPHEN CENTER RECEIVES 8 TONS OF FOOD

Many Omaha charities say they’ve been pushed to the breaking point this year as cold weather and a recession combine to make a perfect storm.
Volunteers said that the number of people needing help is growing exponentially while the number of people donating is barely keeping pace.   The Stephen Center said much the same as they continue to struggle with more people coming in.

"People are still giving. Omaha's a very giving community, but unfortunately this year the need is much greater than it has been in previous years,” development director Cindy Oelke said.   Many people said that the economy is to blame. Renee Reid is staying at the center and said that no one knows what’s going to happen one day to the next.  “It's not just folks out on the streets or folks in shelters. People that have homes, they could lose everything, just like that,” Reid said.

The shelter usually holds about 85 people, but because the weather has been so cold lately, that number is significantly higher.  Workers have tried to cope by throwing mats onto the floor for people to sleep.  Their food supply is also running low.  But food distributor Nash-Finch, in partnership with Nash Finch-supplied supermarkets in Omaha –  including Bag ‘n Save, Chubb Foods, Cubby’s, Louie’s Market, McKinney’s Food Center, No Frills Supermarkets, Phil’s Foodway, and Wohlner’s Neighborhood Grocery & Deli – is helping to put more on the table.  They donated 23 tons of food on Monday to three Omaha charities.

We are very fortunate to be in a position to help those in need in our community," said Louis Stinebaugh, Omaha Division Manager for Nash Finch Company. "It is especially important to us that no one goes hungry during this holiday season."  
“As a supermarket chain, we see the need for assistance increasing daily,” continued Lonnie Eggers, Vice President of Marketing for No Frills Supermarkets. “At the same time, food banks and food shelves are receiving fewer and fewer donations.  We knew we had to help.”  Helene Shrago, owner, Bag ‘n Save Supermarkets added “ The Bag ‘n Save family is eager to help those in need during these economic hard times that most of us have never experienced in our  lifetime.”
It's a gift that many people will be thankful for this Christmas.  "It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, I mean, what can I say. I wish I was in the position to be able to help folks as opposed to being on the other side of the fence,” Reid said.

The Stephen Center said the donated food will help them provide meals through the holiday season.   But supplies can get low quickly, especially after Christmas so more donations are always welcome.

(Pictured: Helene Shrago (right), owner of Bag ‘n Save, who recommended Stephen Center as one of the charities, with Cindy Oelke (left), Stephen Center development director.)