By John Soukup
Development Officer, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska
As I walked through the lobby of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS) in Lincoln, and then observed what was happening in our Food Market this past week, the energy feels a little different. There’s a steady rhythm of families arriving for their food market appointments—parents carrying toddlers, seniors pulling small carts, and volunteers greeting each guest by name.
When SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits were paused Oct. 29 due to the government shutdown, then partially funded Nov. 3, thousands of Nebraskans were affected. For many, CSS has become a place to turn when there’s nowhere else to go for food or basic needs. Normally, our Lincoln food market schedules about a dozen appointments each day, and it’s not unusual for a few clients to miss theirs. But now, almost everyone is showing up, grateful for the help.
I met one client, Cindy Jones, who shared how the shutdown has forced her to stretch every meal.
“We try to make more of a stew where it would last longer,” she said. “I’ve just been cutting corners where I can. I’ve never been to CSS before, and I’m so grateful for their help.”
For people like Cindy, and especially for refugees who aren’t yet eligible for federal assistance if they haven’t been in the U.S. for at least five years, the situation can feel overwhelming. Yet in the middle of all this need, there’s incredible grace.
At one of our outreach centers in southern Nebraska, a small-town restaurant owner wanted to make sure our clients could experience the simple joy of eating out. She donated gift cards to CSS to give to those in need, saying, ‘It’s not just about the meal—it’s about the dignity that comes with it.’
Stories like that remind me what Hope in the Good Life really looks like. It’s neighbors helping neighbors, strangers offering kindness, and our community stepping forward with faith and generosity.
To meet the rising demand in Lincoln, CSS is expanding our high-protein breakfast burrito program in Lincoln from two days a week to five. It’s a small but meaningful way to provide nourishment and comfort. The increase comes with added costs—more than $2,000 a month—but we trust in God’s providence and the compassion of those who believe in our mission.
If you’d like to help us continue this work, you can make a monetary donation at csshope.org/donate or bring food donations to any of our CSS locations in Lincoln, Auburn, Hastings, or Imperial.
Even during a government shutdown, God’s love is not on pause. Through your prayers and support, we’ll keep our doors open to anyone who needs a little help—and a lot of hope.
