By Marisa Dawson, Courtesy Graphics

The Bennington Community Food Pantry is encouraging local schools, churches, sports teams and community organizations to consider organizing food and hygiene drives as the new school year begins, saying the community’s support is becoming increasingly important as demand continues to grow.

Kelli Wilkins, who helps coordinate the pantry, said the start of the school year is a natural time for community groups to come together and make a difference.

“People are back together and are back in our community after the summer,” Wilkins said. “It’s just a good time when people are back together.”

The pantry recently reached out to area organizations to remind them that it is available as a partner for service projects and donation drives. Rather than asking groups to support the pantry in a specific way, Wilkins said the goal is simply to keep the organization top of mind whenever community members are looking for opportunities to give back. She added that creative partnerships help raise awareness while strengthening community connections.

“I think it’s really good to raise awareness in our community that we’re really all in this together,” she said. “Things can’t happen without the support of each other.”

The pantry serves residents throughout the Bennington area with a simple mission: provide food to anyone who needs it without requiring paperwork or proof of residency. Wilkins said visitors are welcomed “with caring hearts and not paperwork,” creating an environment where people feel comfortable seeking help when they need it. While food remains the pantry’s top priority, it also offers hygiene and cleaning products whenever supplies allow.

This summer, however, those non-food items have become more difficult to keep in stock as more families have turned to the pantry for assistance. The organization also partnered with the Bennington Public Schools Foundation to distribute summer food bags to students who might otherwise have limited access to meals while school was out. According to Wilkins, that program introduced the pantry to several new families, including grandparents, extended family members and others caring for children during transitions. Many have continued using the pantry as an ongoing supplement for their households.

For organizations interested in hosting a drive, Wilkins recommends contacting the pantry before collecting donations. While all donations are appreciated, organizers can provide updated lists of the items currently needed most and help coordinate timing, promotion and collection efforts. The pantry also posts updated needs lists on its Facebook page nearly every week. Scanning the QR code below will take you directly to the pantry’s Amazon wish list.

In addition to food and hygiene drives, the pantry welcomes volunteers during its Wednesday and Saturday operating hours. Because of the pantry’s limited space, volunteer shifts are generally limited to a few people at a time, making them well suited for families or small groups. Parents or guardians must accompany minors.

Wilkins said she especially enjoys seeing entire families volunteer together.

“It just shows what our community is built on,” she said. “And teaching that next generation of what that looks like.”

Financial donations are also an important way to help. In addition to purchasing food and restocking supplies, monetary contributions allow the pantry to explore creative fundraising partnerships. Wilkins said the pantry is working with the Bennington Farmers Market on a Founders Day fundraiser in which proceeds from water sales would benefit both organizations.

The need for the pantry has steadily increased over the past year. Wilkins said the organization saw demand rise following changes to SNAP benefits and government assistance, prompting volunteers to expand outreach efforts, add another day of operation and adjust hours to better serve the community. Today, the pantry is assisting approximately 25 families each week, with many households consisting of multiple family members.

While the Bennington Community Food Pantry cannot meet every need on its own, Wilkins said it often serves as a welcoming first step before connecting families with additional resources throughout the Omaha area.

She hopes community members recognize that food insecurity is not a one-time challenge.

“The need is ongoing and growing,” Wilkins said. “We appreciate every volunteer and every donation that comes through that door, but we are reminding people that the need hasn’t stopped and the donations can’t stop either.”

Wilkins emphasized that while the pantry relies on donations and volunteers, its primary mission remains serving neighbors in need.

“The pantry’s first priority is to serve,” she said.

Residents interested in organizing a donation drive, volunteering or making a financial contribution can find updated information, volunteer sign-ups and current needs through the Bennington Community Food Pantry’s Facebook page or by contacting the pantry through St. John’s parish office. Likewise, anyone in need of food assistance is encouraged to use the pantry’s services, regardless of their circumstances.