How do I apply for SNAP?

Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.

Can I use a food bank without applying?

Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.

Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?

Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.

What is summer food service?

USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.

Food Assistance in Nebraska

8 verified resources.

About Food Assistance for Fathers

Food assistance programs for US fathers and families include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children — which serves custodial fathers of children under 5), the National School Lunch Program, food banks through the Feeding America network, and Meals on Wheels. SNAP is administered state-by-state; eligibility is generally based on household income below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. Food banks operate in every state and are the fastest way to access food without an application — most require no ID or income verification for initial visits. TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) supplies food banks with USDA commodities. Summer Food Service Programs feed children during school breaks. This directory includes each state's SNAP office, regional food bank networks, and WIC clinics.

Food Assistance in Nebraska

Nebraska district courts hear family matters in each of its 93 counties, with many counties using county court for paternity and child support. The Child Support Enforcement division operates under DHHS. Omaha and Lincoln dominate the state's population. Legal Aid of Nebraska is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid provider statewide.

8 Resources

1. Food Bank for the Heartland – Omaha — Free

Nebraska's largest food bank serving 93 Nebraska and western Iowa counties through a network of partner pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile distributions. The J Street warehouse in Omaha coordinates donations and partner agency service weekdays. Fathers in need of food can use the online pantry locator to find the nearest distribution site and hours. No cost to recipients; ID and residency proof may be required at partner sites.

402-331-1213 · 10525 J St, Omaha, NE 68127 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Food Bank of Lincoln — Free

Regional food bank distributing food through partner pantries, mobile markets, and backpack programs across Lincoln and 16 southeast Nebraska counties. The Doris Bair Circle warehouse handles agency coordination weekdays. Fathers needing groceries can use the website's pantry locator to find the closest distribution, check hours, and learn about eligibility. No cost to recipients at most partner sites; ID and household information may be requested.

402-466-8170 · 4840 Doris Bair Cir, Lincoln, NE 68504 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Feeding America – Nebraska Partners — Free

National hunger-relief organization whose Nebraska network includes the Food Bank for the Heartland and the Food Bank of Lincoln plus hundreds of partner pantries. Use the Feeding America food bank locator to find the nearest pantry, mobile distribution, or benefits outreach site. Services are free to recipients; hours and eligibility rules vary by partner. Helpful resource for fathers traveling or new to an area who need emergency food assistance.

800-771-2303 · Varies by location · Visit Website

4. WIC Program – Nebraska — Free

Nebraska's Women, Infants, and Children program provides nutrition benefits, breastfeeding support, and health referrals for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under age 5 in income-eligible households. Fathers can be the adult who brings the child to appointments and shops with WIC benefits. Call the state helpline or visit the DHHS website to find your local WIC clinic and schedule an appointment. Bring photo ID, proof of income, and child's birth certificate.

800-942-1171 · 301 Centennial Mall S, Lincoln, NE 68509 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

5. Open Door Mission – Omaha — Free

Omaha rescue mission providing free meals, emergency shelter, and a large food pantry at its North 23rd Street campus. Meals are served daily at posted times; the pantry supports families with grocery staples and hygiene items. Fathers and families are welcome. Bring photo ID if you have it; services are provided regardless of ability to pay. Case managers can connect guests with addiction recovery, housing, and employment resources on site.

402-422-1111 · 2828 N 23rd St E, Omaha, NE 68110 · Daily meal times · Visit Website

6. Matt Talbot Kitchen – Lincoln — Free

Lincoln nonprofit serving free daily meals and operating a food pantry and outreach program at its North 27th Street location for adults experiencing hunger, poverty, or homelessness. Meal hours are posted on the website; pantry hours and bag contents may vary. Fathers are welcome to eat, pick up a pantry bag, or connect with case managers for help finding housing and treatment referrals. No ID requirement to receive a meal.

402-477-4116 · 2121 N 27th St, Lincoln, NE 68503 · Daily meal times · Visit Website

7. Meals on Wheels – Nebraska — Free

Meals on Wheels America helps Nebraska seniors, disabled adults, and homebound individuals access home-delivered nutritious meals through a network of local programs. Fathers caring for an elderly parent or disabled adult can use the national helpline to locate the county program serving their address. Sliding-scale donations are requested where eligibility is met; call local providers for intake steps, menu information, and delivery scheduling.

888-998-6325 · Mon-Fri · Visit Website

8. Salvation Army – Food Assistance NE — Free

Nebraska Salvation Army corps community centers provide emergency food boxes, hot meals, and seasonal food programs at locations statewide including the Pacific Street office in Omaha. Call during weekday business hours to ask about food pantry hours at the nearest corps. Fathers should bring photo ID, proof of address, and information about household members. Availability varies by location and time of month; call before traveling when possible.

402-898-5900 · 10730 Pacific St, Omaha, NE 68114 · Mon-Fri 9am-4pm · Visit Website

Food Assistance — Common Questions

How do I apply for SNAP?: Apply through your state's Department of Human Services — online, in person, or by phone. Approval for basic cases can happen in 30 days; expedited SNAP is available within 7 days for households in severe need. Bring ID, proof of income, rent/mortgage, and utilities.
Can I use a food bank without applying?: Yes. Most food banks and pantries don't require income verification, ID, or applications for initial visits. Feeding America's online locator (feedingamerica.org) finds nearby pantries by ZIP code. Most pantries let you visit once or twice a month.
Are custodial fathers eligible for WIC?: Yes. WIC covers custodial parents (including fathers and grandparents) of children under 5, and breastfeeding or postpartum mothers. It's commonly assumed to be mother-only — it isn't. Apply at your local WIC clinic. Income limit is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
What is summer food service?: USDA's Summer Food Service Program feeds children 18 and under during school breaks. No application required — kids just show up at a participating site (schools, parks, libraries). Text FOOD to 304-304 to find a nearby site, or call 211.