News

Crossroads Mission Avenue is grateful to Aurora Cooperative and the Land O’Lakes Foundation for their support as Crossroads seeks to purchase a freezer unit for placement at the Hastings Mission! The additional freezer will allow Crossroads to accept all donations, using our food resources wisely to pass them on to the Nebraska families who need them!

In October 2024, Crossroads became the sponsor of the Food Recovery Program in partnership with Food Bank for the Heartland, picking up food resources from five local retailers weekly and distributing the food supplies to the food pantries monthly. This program serves food pantries in several Nebraska counties and also supplies food products to the Crossroads’ Missions and our local communities through Crossroads’ food box program, to-go meals, and community meals.

In order to handle the increased capacity that this Food Recovery Program requires, Crossroads needs to purchase a freezer unit which will allow the Mission to accept large donations and store food products properly for timed distributions. Over 15,000 men, women, and families received food services through Crossroads in 2024. Shawna, a food box recipient, is grateful for what she receives from Crossroads, “We receive meals and food boxes. We only receive a small amount of food stamps and Crossroads helps us to keep going especially when it is cold.” Because of our engagement with the Food Recovery Program, Crossroads is able to secure foods and supplies that are not typical of a standard food pantry, such as fresh produce, protein in the form of meats, and dairy products. Providing fresh food products allows individuals to maximize vitamins and minerals in their diet and is essential for good health. Consuming nutrient-dense foods is especially crucial for children, the elderly, and those with fragile health, which is often the case in low-income families. For the unemployed or the mom at home having to decide whether to pay rent OR feed her children, this help is priceless. A guest at Crossroads, Kalyn helps prepare the food boxes for the community recipients and understands being in the position of needing help. “It makes me feel good knowing someone isn’t going hungry, like I have before.” Lack of proper nutrition leads to learning disabilities, lack of focus, illness, behavior problems, high stress levels, and a higher incidence of chronic disease, all of which could initiate lifelong health issues. Healthy individuals make stronger communities.

Crossroads Mission Avenue is a non-barrier food pantry. Individuals or families are welcome to come to any Crossroads Mission Avenue campus location to receive a meal or a food box at any time. There are no requirements that an individual needs to meet. Crossroad provides three hot meals daily for our guests, and anyone with food insecurities can join us during mealtimes. Individuals can request a food box simply by calling the Mission, 7 days a week / 24 hours a day.

Crossroads continues to invest in Central Nebraska communities by providing vital, life-saving food services. Crossroads is thankful to be chosen as a recipient of the Aurora Cooperative’s Grant Match Program this year, receiving funding from both the Aurora Cooperative and Land O’Lakes to assist in funding this piece of equipment that is critical to the success of the Food Recovery Program and the support of many Nebraska households suffering from food insecurities. Crossroads is a safety net for the communities to count on when people are facing the time of greatest need in their lives.