For over two decades, Food Not Bombs Omaha has been a beacon of community support, offering free, nourishing food to anyone in need. Every Sunday at 2 PM, rain or shine, you can find their dedicated volunteers at the corner of 14th and Farnam, distributing meals with open hearts and no questions asked. As part of the global Food Not Bombs network, this local chapter embodies the ethos of sharing and solidarity. To learn more about the international movement, explore FoodNotBombs.net, where you can find a worldwide map, contact information, and delve into the organization’s rich history and principles.
Food Not Bombs Omaha thrives on the spirit of volunteerism. It’s a small but mighty group of individuals passionate about food accessibility and community support. They warmly welcome anyone who wishes to join their efforts.
Weekly Food Distribution Schedule
Every Sunday:
- 2 PM: Free food distribution at 14th & Farnam in Omaha.
- 3 PM: Any remaining food is thoughtfully distributed to local organizations such as Jay’s chicken lady, Stephen Center, Open Door Mission, or even to local wildlife in a sustainable effort to minimize waste.
For the latest updates on community health, including COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV statistics, please refer to the Douglas County Health Portal.
Our Omaha History: From Humble Beginnings to Long-Standing Community Support
The story of Food Not Bombs Omaha began in 1996 with a simple yet powerful idea shared between friends to bring the Food Not Bombs movement to Nebraska. While a sister group in Lincoln faced challenges in sustaining itself, the Omaha chapter, fueled by local enthusiasm, persevered and flourished. In its early days, the group, initiated by individuals including a Creighton University student and local high schoolers, operated without the vast online resources we have today. Inspiration was drawn from the tangible wisdom found in the “Food Not Bombs book” by Keith McHenry and C.T. Butler, highlighting the real-world impact of accessible resources and shared ideas.
To spread the word, the founders relied on traditional methods, posting photocopied flyers around Omaha to announce meetings. These gatherings were held at McFoster’s restaurant on Farnam, whose generous offer of an upstairs event room provided a crucial meeting space. The core mission of sharing food began as soon as local stores agreed to donate unsellable produce. Volunteers cooked large, hearty pots of soup and stew, supplemented by available donations. Every week, without fail, they set up at Gene Leahy Mall, equipped with a folding table, a hand-painted plywood sign displaying “Food Not Bombs” and the iconic hand and carrot emblem, alongside flyers explaining their mission and activities to the Omaha community.
Early meetings were practical and focused: discussing potential food donation sources, planning weekly food distributions at Gene Leahy Mall, and exploring outreach strategies. While there were considerations about expanding to twice-weekly meals, the consensus was to maintain a sustainable, weekly schedule. The initial organizers took pride in their consistent weekly routine: collecting food donations, cooking, sharing meals, and ensuring surplus food reached local shelters.
One of the early members, Gregory Nipper, remained actively involved but gradually reduced his participation around 2000-2001 due to travel and eventually leaving Omaha in 2002. The continued success and 25+ year legacy of Food Not Bombs Omaha stands as a testament to the enduring impact of community-led initiatives.
Get Involved with Food Not Bombs Omaha
Food Not Bombs Omaha is always looking for new volunteers to help with food collection, preparation, and distribution. If you are passionate about food justice and community support in Omaha, consider joining their ranks. Your contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in ensuring access to free food for everyone in Omaha. Reach out to learn how you can become a part of this vital Omaha food resource.
Contact & Website Information
For more information, or to get in touch with Food Not Bombs Omaha, please refer to the contact details provided on the main website.
For those interested in the technical aspects of the website:
Nerd Zone
- DNS Delegation: For groups wanting to manage their subdomain (YourGroup.foodnotbombs.us), contact Jay Hannah for DNS delegation. Currently, subdomains redirect to the global homepage.
- Source Code: The website’s source code is publicly available on github.
