(KLZA)-- Peru State College is proud to announce the tenth anniversary of the Feeding 44 Program. The program, a partnership between Peru State College and the Food Bank of Lincoln, provides a rural mobile food distribution center for residents of Nemaha County and the surrounding area.

The idea for Feeding 44 originated in 2013 from Dr. Kyle Ryan, who then shared it with Peru State sophomore Rachel (Henry) Schwindt.

Nemaha County was the most food-insecure county in the sixteen- county region at that time according to the Food Bank of Lincoln.

Schwindt became aware of a grant that could help fund the first food distribution. With the help of her professors, she applied for and was awarded one of 100 Sodexo Foundation Youth Grants for youth-led projects intended to reduce childhood hunger. She applied for more grants, and the program continued to gain funding; Feeding 44 was established.

The initial Feeding 44 food distribution took place on May 10, 2013, in the Al Wheeler Activity Center with collaboration between volunteers from Peru State College, the Food Bank of Lincoln, and Catholic Social Services. Twenty-two people representing nine families were served. Ten years later, Feeding 44 provides food to over 200 families (or households) monthly.

Recent statistics from the Food Bank of Lincoln indicate that 12.1 % of the population in Nemaha County deal with food insecurity. The Feeding 44 Program plays a vital role in addressing that issue.

Feeding 44 distributes food on the first Friday of each month from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. on the Peru State Campus in the parking lot adjacent to the baseball field. The Food Bank of Lincoln provides the food; students, faculty, and staff volunteers assist with the distribution. Carrie Bradrick, Director of Student Activities and Programs and liaison for the program, appreciates the student's involvement.

Beginning May 1st, those receiving food from the United States Department of Agriculture must complete The Emergency Food Assistance Program form (TEFAP). Forms will also be available on-site.

Starting July 1, 2023, anyone picking up food for another household must have a Proxy form on file with the Food Bank. Notes or text messages will still be accepted in May and June, but Proxy forms will be handed out to be completed by July. These forms must be filled out once per year and can be returned to volunteers or staff at any mobile distribution. Proxy forms can also be mailed to Food Bank of Lincoln, 1221 Kingbird Road, Lincoln, NE 68521.