Sack lunches for homeless people reach record high

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha is providing more sack lunches than ever for its homeless neighbors, recently hitting a record number.

With the increase in need, the charitable organization is asking for donations to help.

The new record – serving 196 people on March 24 – surpassed the previous high of 177.

That increase “underscores a growing need for food assistance among Omaha’s most vulnerable populations,” the society said in a press release, “as well as the unwavering commitment of SSVP Omaha’s volunteers to meet that need each day.”

The society operates a sack lunch program every weekday out of its Holy Family Center, 1715 Izard St. Volunteers prepare and distribute the meals.

For many of the people they serve, the sack lunch is often the only full, nutritious meal they may receive in a day.

“We are not only serving more individuals – we are seeing new faces every day,” said Jill Lynch-Sosa, executive director of the organization.

“People who may never have needed help before are now coming to us for a simple meal. It’s a powerful reminder that homelessness and food insecurity can affect anyone, and it calls all of us to respond with compassion and urgency.”

Those interested in supporting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha and its sack lunch program can make a donation online.

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