GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- A central Nebraska food pantry is changing its policy due to supply shortages. 

The Hope Harbor is adjusting their policy effective immediately because there is a shortage of food supplies and a limited budget. 

Rather than food boxes going to in-need households once a month, it will be once every three months. 

The food pantry said their goal is to get back to monthly food distributions when more donations are secured. But, currently, food supplies are dangerously low. This is impacting both shelter residents and community members that rely on Hope Harbor. 

Hope Harbor said the shelter is operating at near capacity due to the lack of safe and affordable housing. This is stretching the Transitional Shelter food pantry beyond what they are able to do. 

The staff are doing what they can with their budgets to provide breakfast, lunch and dinner to those in the shelters. 

"Meanwhile, the budget for the Community Assistance food pantry has already been exhausted, just three months into the year," Hope Harbor said in their press release.

Those who can donate are asked to donate what they can to help restock the pantries. These donations should be unexpired, unopened food items like:

  • coffee
  • sugar
  • cereal
  • pasta and pasta sauce
  • ramen
  • SpaghettiOs/Ravioli
  • mac and cheese
  • canned fruit
  • canned meat
  • canned vegetables
  • canned soup
  • beans
  • rice
  • instant potatoes
  • crackers
  • applesauce
  • peanut butter and jelly
  • bread
  • oatmeal
  • pancake mix and syrup
  • meal kits
  • prepackaged goods

Hope Harbor is open to take donations at the service center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are unable to make it during those hours to donate, they ask that you call 308-383-4634 to make arrangements.