Nebraska Appleseed’s Legislative Update News and Updates from the Nebraska Unicameral Happy 2022! The Nebraska Legislature officially kicked off this year’s short session today. Senators will introduce new legislation for the next 10 days and hearings on those bills will begin in a few short weeks. We also expect floor debate on carry-over legislation to start as soon as next… Read more →
This year, We’ve had the opportunity to work on some of the toughest issues facing Nebraskans and their families. We couldn’t have done this without you – our friends and allies. We are proud to celebrate another year with a grassroots network of big-hearted and forward-thinking Nebraskans to create a brighter, more just future for our communities. You’ve made some… 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 virtually! Meet the outstanding Nebraskans who dedicate their time to positive change in our communities. We’re also excited for our returning… Read more →
“The mental hoops I had to jump through to convince myself things were going to work out and I was going to have enough money to make rent and buy food were ridiculous. If I had a living wage… I would have been able to more comfortably live my life instead of fearing overdraft fees and bankruptcy.” Hannah Robinson shared… Read more →
***For Immediate Release*** Tuesday, November 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 Presents Local Worker, Leader Stories Local Workers, Leaders, and Advocates Speak on the Importance of Raising the Wage Lincoln, NE — Today, the Raise the Wage Nebraska coalition launched a virtual conference focused… Read more →
Congress has the opportunity to pass meaningful and long-awaited reforms that would make a real difference in the lives of Nebraskans. The new House Build Back Better legislation is a historic step forward that can bring real change by reducing poverty and lessening racial disparities. We need your advocacy to let our members of Congress know we support this legislation.… Read more →
SNAP benefits are increasing! As of this month, new updates to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Thrifty Food Plan will increase SNAP benefits. The following table shows the increased projected average benefits for households: What is the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP)? The Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) is the set of guidelines used to determine the amount of SNAP… Read more →
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 →
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 →
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 →
