PROBLEM STATEMENT

(1) It aims to challenge how people think about the socioeconomic issue around food insecurity in Omaha, NE.

(2) It aims to address the problem of food pantries not being designed as empathetically, welcoming, or nice as they could be. It also seeks to destigmatize food pantries and dignify those who come in.

(3) It aims to raise awareness about unhealthy eating habits at all income, demographical, and educational levels, and encourage people to eat healthier and more organically through the use of a teaching kitchen.

FOOD INSECURITY OVERVIEW IN DOUGLAS COUNTY:

Food insecurity affects 10.5% of the population, and 59% are below the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) threshold of 165% poverty. According to the CDC, 61% of adults and 28% of youth are overweight or obese, and 96.6% of youth do not meet the Federal government’s guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption. Because of these things, there is already a partnership in place between Omaha schools and the Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition to serve healthier food to more than 49,000 kids across Omaha. They also have plans to install six gardens at schools to teach kids about fresh produce. While this is great, there is no one organization/place for anyone to come and learn more about nutritional food, how to cook with it, and finally access it through a food pantry.

POPULATION: 59, 440

Estimated Program

Among Food Insecure People

MEAL COST:

$3.36