The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Maverick Food Pantry is providing help to people in the UNMC community facing food insecurity.
It also is asking for help.
Harnoor Singh, director of student development at UNO, is overseeing the Maverick Food Pantry operations and stressed the pantry’s ongoing commitment to UNMC students, faculty and staff. He also issued a request for donations.
The Maverick Food Pantry has built partnerships with local grocers resulting in greater buying power for each dollar spent, Singh said. “But in the current situation, our supply chain has been disrupted and we don’t have access to the same large bulk quantities. We are more reliant than ever on donations.
“As they say, many hands lighten the load,” he said.
The pantry is requesting donations of cash and non-perishable food items as it works to meet the needs of the UNMC/UNO community.
Requests for food packages can be submitted through an easy online form twice per week. Each package contains approximately two days’ worth of non-perishable items and personal hygiene products.
“The collaboration with the Maverick Food Pantry has had a tremendous, positive impact on our students at UNMC, and we are excited to extend this service to meet the needs of staff and faculty,” said Philip Covington, Ed.D., assistant vice chancellor for student success at UNMC and UNO. “As UNMC and UNO work together to help our people during this difficult time, we’re asking the university community to assist, if possible, with donations to this worthy effort. Food insecurity is something none of our people should have to deal with, and we want to be here to help them if they are grappling with this challenge.”
Campus community members can request a package by completing this request form using a UNO or UNMC email address.
Requests will be approved and filled on the morning of the next business day. Packages will be available for pick up from the Community Engagement Center (CEC) parking booth (UNO Campus, Lot E) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
The pantry has also added a non-contact delivery option for members of the UNMC community in quarantine or isolation, Singh said.
The Maverick Food Pantry is requesting donations of non-perishable food items and individually packaged toilet paper and paper towels. Items can be donated to the food pantry by scheduling an appointment. Please email unomavfoodpantry@unomaha.edu.
Other current needs include:
- pasta and sauce
- peanut butter
- soups
- canned vegetables
- fruit
- gluten-free options
- vegan options
Monetary donations can be made online here.
Donations are tax deductible. Donations can be dropped off at 130 Community Engagement Center (CEC).
For more information or to schedule a time to drop off donations, click here.