Free food distribution at The Salt Mine in Lincoln

The Salt Mine Food Closet, a nonprofit organization in Lincoln at 590 Lincoln Boulevard, has been dedicated to helping the community one box of food at a time since 1985. A variety of services are provided, including fresh food boxes clients can request every day the business is open and non-perishable pantry boxes only available on weekends, as well as amenities for unhoused individuals such as daypacks, laundry services and shower services. The food boxes contain fresh produce, deli, dairy, bread and pastry items while the pantry boxes contain non-perishable food items and frozen meats. All food item contents vary every day, based on the current availability. Just last year, The Salt Mine served more than 1,700 families from Lincoln and Sheridan, 30 percent of which included seniors and 75 percent with children. The Salt Mine received more than 40,317 requests for help and served 143,892 people throughout the year. "We desire that no adult, child or senior goes hungry in Lincoln and Sheridan. The Salt Mine is funded by private monetary donations and The Salt Mine Thrift Store," according to its Mission Statement. The Salt Mine Food Closet operates by curbside pickup. Residents can drive up to the Food Closet on the Sixth Street side to receive food. Residents must verify their address and identity, then volunteers will load their vehicles accordingly. For more information, visit thesaltmine.org.