“Food is love”: The Omaha VA Food Pantry is helping those in need

Since opening in October 2025, VA Nebraska-Western Iowa’s Omaha Veterans Food Pantry has become an important resource for Veterans facing food insecurity, a growing challenge that impacts many Veterans. 

A volunteer effort rooted in compassion

Manus began volunteering at the Omaha VA in October 2024, and she has been a primary volunteer for the food pantry since it opened. 

“I just love helping people,” she said. “When you’ve needed help yourself before, you want to give back when you can.”

When the Omaha Veterans Food Pantry held its soft opening in October, it served just four Veterans on the first day. Today, the number has steadily grown, serving an average of 20 or more people per day. In its first six months, it has provided over 750 bags of food to Veterans in need. 

“There are people who come in every month and people who come in just once,” Manus said. “They’re all important. Everybody just needs a little help sometimes.”

The pantry distributes bags filled with staple foods such as pasta, sauce, peanut butter, canned vegetables, fruit, and soup. Depending on donations, they also include items like snacks. There are two bag styles – one is designed for people with the tools and ability to cook, and the other is filled with items that don’t require cooking. Each bag includes about $30 of groceries. 

Manus isn’t just a volunteer; she is also a user of the pantry. 

“My family and I use it, and it's a really great resource to have to just supplement because my husband lost his job recently,” she said. “It's really helpful to know that I have this resource.”

Food is medicine

A lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food affects many Veterans and can have serious health consequences. According to Dietitian Lori Bonner, food insecurity can contribute to a wide range of medical conditions.

“Not getting the proper nutrition can affect health in so many ways,” Bonner said. “It can lead to malnutrition, but malnutrition doesn’t just mean someone is underweight. It can also affect people who are overweight because they’re relying on inexpensive, highly processed foods.”

When healthy food is unaffordable, people often purchase the cheapest options available, which are frequently high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Over time, those patterns can worsen chronic health conditions.

“That can increase risk for diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and even certain cancers,” Bonner said. “And if someone already has a condition like heart failure, high-sodium foods can make it worse.”

Food insecurity can also affect sleep, concentration, and mental health. For individuals managing conditions such as diabetes, inconsistent access to food can even lead to dangerous swings in blood sugar levels.

“Food insecurity is growing,” Bonner said. “As food prices rise, fewer donations come into food banks and pantries, and that trickles down to the people who rely on them.”

Support beyond the pantry

While the pantry provides immediate assistance, it is just one part of the VA’s broader effort to help Veterans access healthy food.

Veterans who report food insecurity can connect with VA dietitians, who provide counseling and practical strategies to help stretch grocery budgets while maintaining good nutrition. Dietitians work with Veterans to identify affordable food options, plan meals, and make healthier choices when relying on pantry items.

“We meet them where they are,” Bonner said. “We might talk about buying frozen vegetables instead of fresh, rinsing canned vegetables to reduce sodium, or planning meals around low-cost staples.”

VA also offers healthy cooking classes through the Healthy Teaching Kitchen, where Veterans can learn how to prepare nutritious meals on a budget. In addition, staff help connect Veterans with community resources such as local food pantries and social services that can assist with broader financial challenges.

“Food insecurity rarely exists on its own,” Bonner said. “Often people are also struggling with housing costs or other bills. That’s why we work closely with social workers and other teams.”

Volunteers make the difference

The pantry relies on partnerships, donations, and volunteers to maintain operations and ensure it can continue to serve Veterans.  Manus says the work brings her joy, and she gets plenty of hugs from grateful veterans. She also sees tears of relief from those who are helped.  

She encourages others to consider volunteering with the VA, noting that opportunities range from helping in the pantry to assisting patients with directions, transportation, or wheelchair escorts.

“If you can give four hours a week, you can make a huge difference,” she said.

How veterans can get help

The Omaha Veterans Food Pantry is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Ambulatory Care Center. Veterans who are experiencing food insecurity can also speak with their primary care team social workers. The VA clinics in Lincoln, Grand Island and North Platte, as well as the Community Resource and Referral Center in Omaha, have food resources available that can be accessed through a social worker.

As the pantry continues to grow, Manus has a simple goal: keep the shelves full and the help flowing.

“Everybody deserves to eat,” she said. “Food is love. If we can help someone get through the month a little easier, that means everything.”