Bold Hope at Matt Talbot
Located on North 27th Street, Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is a hunger relief and outreach center for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or near homelessness. The mission of Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is to relieve hunger, overcome homelessness, address addiction, and provide outreach and advocacy.
Last year, Matt Talbot provided over 263,000 meals through on-site meals and food distributed through the Fresh Choice Pantry and the need continue to grow. Between January and July, Matt Talbot saw a 96% increase in visits to the pantry, including a 52% increase between June and July alone. An average of 250 onsite meals are provided every day, with staff assisting over 3,000 individuals annually through more than 55,000 outreach and homeless prevention services.
Everyone is welcome to walk through their open doors and get a prepared, nutritious meal two times a day, every day of the year. While at the facility for a meal, guests can learn about other services available at Matt Talbot such as housing, case management, tenant education classes, assistance with acquiring vital identification documents, substance use services, street outreach, shower and laundry services, and assistance with basic and emergency needs. This comprehensive programming works to connect guests to resources that take care of the whole person – providing beyond basic needs to embolden people to have hope.
Nutrition
Matt Talbot works to provide high-quality, nutritious foods to guests. An initiative called Freshen Your Plate is advancing health equity in Lincoln by increasing access to healthy food, specifically fresh fruits and vegetables, among individuals and families experiencing homelessness or who are on the edge of homelessness. This project also includes volunteer education, menu planning support, resource development, and garden-to-table integration (working with local growers as well as maintaining and harvesting our on-site garden, which has over 70 vegetable plants). The Fresh Choice Pantry is open 4 days a week and resembles a small grocery store. Community members can select food items that meet their needs at no cost. The pantry is located at Matt Talbot and contains refrigerated items such as meat, produce, and dairy products, as well as canned and boxed food items.
Huskers Helping the Homeless
September is Hunger Action Month and Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is huddled up and planning for the best defense against hunger and homelessness during the 30th annual Huskers Helping the Homeless event scheduled for October 1-10. This event raises awareness and funds for Matt Talbot’s year-round hunger relief and homeless prevention services.
JOIN THE TEAM: 3 Ways to Volunteer
- Pick a Shift at Grocery Store or Downtown on Game Day (October 8-10): Sign up on your own or bring a friend to help collect donations during a 1.5-hour shift. Matt Talbot will provide everything you need: a Huskers Helping the Homeless t-shirt, collection jug, and sign.
- Rally Your Tailgate Crew: Turn your tailgate or game day party into an opportunity to give back! Matt Talbot will provide a t-shirt, collection jug, and sign. You provide the snacks, invite your friends, and encourage donations to the best defense against hunger and homelessness!
- NEW THIS YEAR: Host an Online Fundraiser (October 1 - 10): Raise money and awareness without leaving home! Sign up individually or team up with your friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, or teammates to create your own fundraising page. Track your progress and compete for prizes! The fundraiser with the most online donations wins their choice of Free Runza Combo Meal a Week for a Year OR a special in-person softball event for your team with All-American and Big Ten Freshman of the Year NU Softball Pitcher Alexis Jensen!
Please email Victoria O’Neil, Director of Hunger Relief & Volunteerism, or call 402-817-0623 with questions and Go Big Red!
