SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Thousands of Panhandle residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could face food insecurity next month as state officials warn that November benefits may not be available.

According to the Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD), approximately 3,600 households across western Nebraska could be affected by the potential interruption in benefits. The delay could also lead to increased demand at local food pantries, soup kitchens and community meal programs.

“Our communities and neighbors have always looked out for one another, and that spirit of care remains strong,” said Jessica Davies, health director of PPHD. “While this situation is uncertain, we know that small acts of kindness, whether donating, volunteering, or simply checking in on a neighbor, can go a long way in helping one another through challenging times.”

PPHD is encouraging residents to prepare for possible resource shortages and utilize available assistance programs. Food resources and support services can be found at:

Food pantry and meal listings: tinyurl.com/foodWesternNE

Western Nebraska Resource Guide: panhandlepartnership.com

CredibleMinds: pphd.crediblemind.com — offering free mental health tools, meditations, and community resource links.

The health district is urging residents to stay informed and support local food programs to help ensure that no one in the region faces hunger alone.

Regional food assistance options

A variety of organizations and programs across the Panhandle offer food support to individuals and families:

Available in all communities:

Medicaid (Molina Plan) – Healthy Food Boxes. Call 1-844-782-2018 for information.

Box Butte County:

Western Community Health Resources WIC Clinic, 619 Box Butte Ave., Alliance. Free healthy food for pregnant women and children under 5. 308-747-2417.

Community Table, 123 W. 3rd St., Alliance. Hot meals Monday–Thursday, sack lunches Friday. 308-455-9175.

Northwest Community Action Pantry, 1028 E. 3rd St., Alliance. Open Monday and Wednesday. 308-762-4960.

Hemingford Food Pantry, north of the Mobius Building. Thursdays 5–6 p.m. 308-760-5140.

Cheyenne County:

Sidney Table of Grace, 1125 Alvarado Rd., Sidney. Open Thursdays on rotating schedules. 308-765-0362.

Table of Grace Mobile Pantries – Lodgepole, Sunol, Dix, and Bushnell on scheduled Saturdays.

Community Shepherds of Dalton/Gurley – 404 Francis St., Dalton. First Saturday of each month, 8:30–9:30 a.m.

Potter Table of Grace, Prairie West Church, Potter. Second Saturday of each month, 9–10:30 a.m.

Dawes County:

Shepard’s Pantry Immanuel Lutheran, 747 Ann St., Chadron. Monday–Thursday by appointment. 308-432-5408.

Bread Basket Food Pantry, 340 Cedar St., Chadron. Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

Legend Buttes Health Services Pantry, Crawford. Multiple weekly openings. 308-665-2815.

CSC Student Food Pantry, Rita King Library, Chadron State College. Open Mondays–Wednesdays. foodpantry@csc.edu.

Garden County:

Gracious Givers Food Pantry, 305 Main St., Lewellen. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays. 308-772-3242.

Table of Grace @ St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Oshkosh. Weekly Thursday hours vary by week. 308-765-0362.

Kimball County:

Kimball Senior Citizens Center, 107 S. Oak St. Meals served weekdays at 11:30 a.m. 308-235-4505.

Kimball Helping Hands Food Ministry, 507 S. Oak St., open third Saturday monthly.

Ministerial Association Pantry, 509 W. 5th St., Kimball. Weekly openings. 308-235-2320.

Morrill County:

Bridgeport Food Pantry, 1011 Main St., Bridgeport. Open multiple days monthly. 308-262-1175.

Bayard Food Pantry, 434 1st Ave. Open third Thursday, 11 a.m.–noon. 308-586-1340.

Scotts Bluff County:

First Baptist Church, 3009 Ave. I, Scottsbluff. Monthly food boxes and baby supplies. 308-635-2548.

Christ the King Church, 1345 18th St., Gering. Call for appointments. 308-436-2290.

Gering Methodist Church/Rejoice Lutheran, 1025 Five Rocks Rd. Open Tuesdays, 9 a.m.–noon.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 1102 12th Ave., Scottsbluff. Food pantry Tuesdays, 3–5:30 p.m. 308-632-2845.

Sheridan County:

Northwest Community Action Pantry, 207 S. Main St., Rushville. Thursdays 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

Western Community Health Resources WIC Clinic, Gordon. First three Wednesdays of each month.