Join us throughout the month of October as we celebrate the honorees of its 2021 Good Apple Awards, Appleseed’s annual fundraiser celebrating community advocates who are building a more just, vibrant, and inclusive Nebraska. The 2021 awardees represent what’s possible when Nebraskans step forward to tackle our toughest problems in the spirit of building community, working collaboratively, and persistently pursuing… Read more →
This is a guest blog by Appleseed’s Economic Justice Intern Jazon Ezell. School meals are a consistent source of healthy and nutritious foods for many students and families. During school breaks, some families struggle with finding access to these options. Emergency food pantries and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are both great resources for Nebraska individuals and families. Statewide… Read more →
Andrew Farias (he/him/his) is our new Weitz Fellow! He will be working closely with the Collective Impact Lincoln and Health Care Access team, as well as managing our volunteer program. His previous work with Carleton College includes implementing initiatives to divert waste from our college landfills, including beginning a campus-wide reusable to-go container program. Through this work with Carleton’s Center… Read more →
Fair, nonpartisan, voting district maps are essential to our democracy. Public participation and transparency are an important part of holding elected officials accountable and ensuring our maps facilitate equal representation, by accounting for changes in census data. This is important: The final Congressional and Nebraska Legislature maps will affect how we are represented for the next 10 years! The next… Read more →
We have some exciting news to share. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that they will be updating the basic formula they use to calculate SNAP benefits, called the Thrifty Food Plan! This means there will be a 21% increase in SNAP benefits across the nation. The average benefit will rise from about $4.25 per person per… Read more →
This is a guest blog post by Morgan Gurwell, Appleseed’s Food and Nutrition Access Youth Ambassador. What is SNAP? The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is the largest federal food assistance program. It supports individuals and families across the country in putting food on the table. There are 42 million people utilizing SNAP benefits nationwide… Read more →
This morning, Nebraska Appleseed and a broad coalition of community partners announced the launch of Raise the Wage Nebraska: a ballot initiative campaign to raise our state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2026. As a state, we take pride in shared prosperity and caring for our neighbors. We have a responsibility to ensure that every Nebraskan is paid… Read more →
***For Immediate Release*** Monday, August 9, 2021 Contact: Magdalena Cazarez Communications Director, Nebraska Appleseed O: (402) 438-8853 ext 119 C: (402) 504-0074 mcazarez@neappleseed.org “Raise the Wage Nebraska” Files Minimum Wage Ballot Initiative Lincoln, NE — Today, a coalition of Nebraska community members, advocates, and supporters announced the launch of Raise the Wage Nebraska to raise our state’s minimum wage to… Read more →
***For Immediate Release*** Wednesday, July 21, 2021 Contact: Magdalena Cazarez Communications Director, Nebraska Appleseed O: (402) 438-8853 ext 119 C: (402) 504-0074 mcazarez@neappleseed.org More Nebraskans can Apply for SNAP with New Eligibility Criteria Nebraska now processing applications with benefits to be disbursed at the end of July Lincoln, NE — In May, the Unicameral passed Legislative Bill (LB) 108 to… Read more →
Nebraska’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has changed for the better! Now more people qualify for support buying groceries, even as they take raises at work. On May 26, 2021, Nebraska passed a law that increased the income limit for SNAP from 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 165% (see chart below). The net income limit remains 100%… Read more →
Your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits go further with the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) Program! This program lets folks on SNAP get twice the fresh produce for your money. This means when you spend up to $20 of SNAP on fresh fruits and vegetables, you can get up to $40 worth of food! How does it work? Visit… Read more →
How do summer meals play a role in making sure kids of all backgrounds get fed during the summer? This is a guest blog post by Morgan Gurwell, Nebraska Appleseed’s Youth Ambassador. The last day of school doesn’t have to mean the last day of community meal service for kids in Nebraska. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) invites kids… Read more →
Nebraska Appleseed’s Response to the Community regarding the Termination of Unemployment Benefits Over the past few days, we’ve received your calls and messages regarding the termination of unemployment benefits. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the stark realities that many Nebraskans face when navigating our complex systems. This is why we have continued to work diligently with community members and at… Read more →
***For Immediate Release*** Thursday, June 24, 2021 Contact: Magdalena Cazarez Communications Director, Nebraska Appleseed O: (402) 438-8853 ext 119 C: (402) 504-0074 mcazarez@neappleseed.org Thousands of Nebraskans left in limbo awaiting SNAP benefits Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services delays implementation of LB 108 Lincoln, NE — On May 26, 2021, the Unicameral passed Legislative Bill (LB) 108, expanding eligibility… Read more →
Each semester, Appleseed is fortunate to work with bright, talented, and dedicated interns and law clerks who are passionate about fighting for justice and opportunity for all Nebraskans. We’re excited to have interns and clerks join our team from across the nation virtually! Meet the outstanding Nebraskans who dedicate their time to positive change in our communities. We’re also excited… Read more →
Familias con niños de 1 al 18 anos pueden encontrar comida gratis por una línea de texto Escuelas están cerrados por el momento pero distribuciones de comida gratis continúan en Nebraska El Programa de Servicio de Alimentos de Verano continuará distribuyendo comidas GRATUITAS para niños de 1 a 18 años durante los meses en que no haya clases este año.… Read more →
Kids and families can find free summer meals through text service once again Schools are closed but meal service continues across Nebraska The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) will continue to provide FREE meals for children ages 1 to 18 during the months when school is out this year. Nebraska school districts, nonprofit organizations, libraries, tribal organizations, and others will… Read more →
2021 Legislative outcomes for Nebraska families, communities, and racial justices The Legislature wrapped up this year’s discussion and decisions on proposed bills in late May. Despite the obstacles brought by the pandemic, community members like you worked hard to make your voice heard to ensure we are building a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive Nebraska. Read below to find out what… Read more →
With strong community support, the Nebraska Legislature voted to override the veto on the SNAP cliff effect bill (LB108) yesterday afternoon. Introduced and prioritized by Senator John McCollister, this bill will now allow thousands of Nebraskans to be able to take a pay raise without fear of losing all of their food benefits! View how your state senator voted on… Read more →
The IRS will start to make monthly payments of the expanded Child Tax Credit from the American Rescue Plan on July 15, 2021. In Nebraska, roughly 434,000 children will benefit from this change, and approximately 36,000 children will be lifted above or closer to the poverty line. This unrestricted funding will have profound impacts on Nebraska families. The Child Tax… Read more →
Despite strong support from the Nebraska Legislature, Governor Ricketts vetoed the SNAP Cliff Effect Bill (LB108). LB108 fixes the SNAP cliff effect by helping families avoid the tough choice between taking a pay raise or feeding their families. This bill passed with 33 yes votes from Nebraska senators whose substantial support underlines the critical importance of improving food access in… Read more →
We are in the last week of the 2021 legislative session. This Wednesday is reserved for veto override votes and the last official day of session will be on Thursday. It’s been a unique session that introduced many challenges due to the pandemic, but I’m proud of the work that our staff, partners, and supporters have done to fight for… Read more →
Tonight, Governor Ricketts vetoed LB108, a bill that makes changes to Nebraska’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to make it easier for participating Nebraskans to take raises or find better paying jobs and not lose all food benefits. Nebraska Appleseed’s Economic Justice Program Manager for Food and Nutrition Access, Eric Savaiano, issued the following statement in response: “At a time… Read more →
Last week, Speaker Hilgers announced the legislature will adjourn on Thursday, May 27th. The vast majority of the legislature’s work should be complete by the end of this week and May 27th will be reserved for votes to override any gubernatorial vetoes of legislation. Final vote on SNAP bill tomorrow Tomorrow, the Legislature will take its final vote on LB108,… Read more →
Features from this month’s Nebraska Appleseed newsletter: Give to Lincoln Day: Join supporters in unlocking a $10,000 bonus! Exciting Appleseed priority bills advance at Nebraska Legislature Nebraskans tell Congress ‘It’s Time for Full Inclusion’ (Photos) We’re Hiring: Join our team as Staff Attorney or Program Coordinator COVID-19 Resources (Including information on vaccines) Donate now for Give to Lincoln Day and… Read more →
