Blue Valley Community Action highlights local food bank services and ways to help

FAIRBURY, Neb -- Blue Valley Community Action is shining a spotlight on food access this month, reminding residents across southeast Nebraska that help is available—and so is the opportunity to give back.

BVCA operates Family and Community Services (FCS) Centers in nine counties: Butler, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Polk, Saline, Seward, Thayer, and York. Each center hosts a food bank, and in eight of those counties, BVCA runs either the primary or only food bank available.In 2024, more than 8,000 individuals benefited from BVCA programs—over 4,000 of them received food support through food banks, Head Start meals, and other nutrition programs like WIC and CSFP for seniors.

“Food insecurity is something we want to address immediately,” said Ben Schwartz. Communications & Development Officer at BVCA. “But it can also be the starting point for connecting people to other life-changing services.”

Unlike many assistance programs, BVCA’s food banks don’t require income verification. If you need food, you can walk in and get help—no strings attached. That flexibility is thanks to donor support and funding sources that allow BVCA to operate outside of traditional eligibility requirements.

Need Help?
If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, simply visit your local BVCA office. A conversation with a center coordinator can also open doors to additional services you may qualify for.

Want to Help?
Food donations are welcome during regular office hours. Cash donations, however, make the biggest impact. Through partnerships with the Food Bank of Lincoln, local meat processors, and other suppliers, BVCA can stretch dollars much farther than store-bought items.

Ways to Donate:
Drop off food or checks at your local BVCA center
Mail a donation to your regional office (address available online)
Give securely online at bvca.net via PayPal

Stay Connected
You can find office hours, updates, and contact info for your local county center by Googling “BVCA” and your county name, or by visiting the Blue Valley Community Action Facebook page.

As Ben put it, “Whether you need a little help, or you’re in a place to give help—your local center is a great place to start.”