Lack of Food Leaves Together Inc. in a Crisis - FOX 42: Omaha News, Sports and Weather; kptm.com |

Franque Thompson

Omaha (KPTM)-  Together Inc., Omaha's main non-profit homeless prevention agency has supplied food for those in need for over 30 years.  But now, the organization says it needs help helping those in need.

"Right now isn't necessarily a good time to be feeling the pinch on food on our shelves because we need it more than ever," said interim director of Together, Mike Hornacek.

Hornacek said even though the year isn't half over, It's already given out the amount of food the government distributes.

With the school year over, it comes at a critical time.

"There's a lot more families that struggle to make ends meet this time of year, with the kids home all day, so we always see an increase need from families coming to us to get food," said Hornacek.

So area food pantries who usually depend on Together say they will have to make big cuts this summer.

"They announced that they wouldn't have anything for us at all in June.  So a significant impact," said Pastor Tim Heupel of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.

"The worst thing we want to do is have somebody come down here for help…they know that they can come here.  We've been here forever and have to turn somebody away because we don't have enough food," said Hornacek.

Without the help from Together, Beautiful Savior Church has barely been able to get by the food supply that they do have in their pantry.  But even with that limited amount, they're forced to cut their distribution to only once a month, starting in the next couple weeks.

"What we're trying to do is just get the word out there that this is an emergency and it is a crisis at this time.  And for people to be innovative as we approach the problem solving of the crisis," said Heupel.

Hornacek says even though Together Inc. is in low supply, doors are still open to those in need.   He says they hope to be back on track soon, with a lot of help and faith.

"I'm very confident that when the word gets out, Omaha will respond and will be able to take care of the people walking through our doors every day," said Hornacek.

Together launched their new idea "Project 94" last week.  The project is trying to raise $94,000 in 94 days of summer to fight childhood hunger.