Hope Harbor, Courtesy
GRAND ISLAND — Hope Harbor is overflowing with gratitude from the community’s support during a time of critical need.
Thanks to the generosity of local donors, fellow agencies, businesses, schools, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints—with a sizable commodities grant—they are once again able to provide monthly food boxes… for now.
Earlier this month, Hope Harbor faced the difficult decision to reduce food box distribution to every three months rather than monthly. The rapid increase in need had emptied their shelves faster than ever before and exhausted their Community Assistance food budget much earlier than expected. Grocery prices continue to rise, and everyone is feeling the impact, including their shelter and community pantries.
“Grateful, but not surprised, that our community showed up during this time of need,” said Molly Clark, Operations Manager. “We were giving out food boxes at a rate we’d never seen before. The decision to scale back wasn’t easy, but we had to find a way to stretch what little we had left while still supporting those who rely on us, in shelter and our community.”
In response to the shortage, staff worked swiftly to maximize partnerships. Sara Moore, Facilities Manager, leaned on her connection with Project Hunger and deepened ties with Food Bank for the Heartland out of Omaha to make the most of every dollar and item received.
“We ran through our shelter pantry and our community assistance pantry trying to keep up,” Sara said. “Reaching out to Project Hunger allowed us to get bulk items to restock the shelter, which then freed up smaller items for community food boxes. Working with Food Bank for the Heartland has helped us explore additional partnerships and get creative with what’s available. I’m incredibly grateful we live in a community where people show up and care deeply for those facing food insecurity.”
Sara added, “Each time someone drops off a bag of groceries or a case of canned goods, it feels like a small miracle. These donations directly feed our shelter residents and families in our community.”
Despite the incredible outpouring of support, Hope Harbor remains realistic about the year ahead. Monthly food boxes have resumed for now, but without continued donations, they know it won’t be sustainable all year.
“We’re confident we’re moving in the right direction, but the truth is—the need isn’t going away,” Molly said. “The demand is steady and growing, and we will always need the community’s help to meet it.”
Food donations are accepted year-round. To learn more about their needs, visit www.hopeharborgi.org/donate-urgent or follow Hope Harbor on all social media platforms, @hopeharborgi, for the most up-to-date needs.
