HISTORY
1981 – The Food Bank was formed with a 3,800 square feet warehouse on 50th & Hamilton with 21 agencies. The Food Bank was founded by the Omaha Food Pantry Association, Gene Hanlon, Bob McGinnis and Rev. Vic Schoonover
1981 – 1985 Gene Hanlon served as The Food Bank’s 1st Executive Director
1982 – 38,800 pounds were distributed through 21 agencies
1985 – The Food Bank moved to 38,000 square food building located at 18th & Burt
1985 – 200,000 pounds were distributed to 135 agencies
1987 – The First Cans Festival is a hit in Omaha
1986-1993 – Chuck Raffensperger served as The Food Bank’s 2nd Executive Director
1993 – Don Schinzel named the 3rd Executive Director for The Food Bank and currently leads the staff and volunteers of The Food Bank.
1999 – The Food Bank moved to its current location at 68th & J Street
1999 – 5,390,000 pounds of food was distributed to 253 agencies
1999 – The Food Bank begins the Senior Outreach Program, delivering bakery and produce items to low-income senior high rises
2002 – The Food Bank adds a branch in Sidney, NE
2001 – 275 Agencies were served by The Food Bank
2001 – The first Kids Cafe opens
2005 – 326 Agencies were served by The Food Bank
2005 – Kids Cafes reach 7 sites in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area
2006 – The Food Bank commenorates 25 years
2006 – The Food Bank for Kids BackPack program begins in 3 schools
2007 - The Food Bank serves 362 agencies
2007 – The Food Bank for Kids BackPack program expands to 9 schools
2007 – Kids Cafes reach 9 sites in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area
