Chadron food resources step up as SNAP cuts hit local families

By Mya Mikesell

CHADRON – As SNAP benefits continue to be reduced nationwide, food insecurity is becoming an even greater concern for families and students in Chadron. Local programs like Chadron State College’s Food Pantry and the Northwest Community Action Partnership are working to fill that gap and make sure no one goes without food.

At CSC, the campus food pantry has grown from a small idea into a major resource. It started growing in 2020 when a librarian noticed a student struggling to get enough to eat. What began as a few prepacked bags of food has turned into a full pantry inside the King Library, open three days a week for students to shop freely.

“It’s really nice that students can pick out their own food instead of getting prepacked bags,” said Kate Pope, who manages the CSC Food Pantry. “It helps people feel more comfortable and reduces food waste.”

Due to the uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits, Pope said the pantry has temporarily doubled the amount of food students can take home.

“We’re spending more on food right now, but it’s worth it,” she said. “We just want students to focus on school, not worry about their next meal.”

Pope said that even though the pantry is open to all currently enrolled students, some hesitate to use it because of the stigma that still surrounds food assistance. “We want students to know there’s no judgement,” she said. “We’re here for anyone who needs help, even if it’s just once in a while.”

For community members outside the college, NCAP runs food pantries across northwest Nebraska, including in Chadron, Alliance, Rushville and Valentine. Residents can call their local office to schedule an appointment and complete a short application process to verify income and residency.

“Our food comes from the Food Bank of the Heartland, federal grants and private donations,” said Brooke Smith, who oversees NCAP’s food programs. “We just received a grant that allowed us to restock our shelves, but we expect to see more families needing help as the SNAP cuts take effect.”

NCAP’s most-needed items include canned fruits and vegetables, soups, cereals, pasta and other shelf-stable foods. Smith said community support is vital. “Not everyone can give money, but there’s always a way to help, whether that’s volunteering, donating food or even sharing our posts online,” she said.

Both Pope and Smith said their biggest goal is to make sure people know help is available. “No one should feel embarrassed to ask for food,” Pope said. “That’s why we’re here.”

If You Need Help

Chadron State College Food Pantry

• Located in King Library
• Monday 3-6 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday 8 a.m.-noon
• Available to currently enrolled CSC students
• Students can shop for free groceries with their campus ID

Northwest Community Action Partnership (NCAP)

• Located at 270 Pine St., Chadron
• Phone: (308) 432-3393
• Additional locations in Alliance, Rushville and Valentine
• Food assistance available for qualifying community members
• Donations of canned goods and nonperishables are always welcome