It can be hard to get by day-to-day and make ends meet. Nebraska families should not have to make sacrifices between their basic needs like food, health, and shelter. This is why we are proud to have Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership (ENCAP) in our network to help Nebraskans get back on their feet and help build a future where they can thrive long term.
ENCAP has served Douglas and Sarpy counties through its anti-poverty programming since 1965. They provide judgement free services to every person they serve, assess the circumstances, and give them the tools they need to reach their full potential. Executive Director Aaron Bowen says, “Our goal is to start with food, then we figure out what other things the family might need in order to assist them.” It’s more than a pantry: ENCAP invests in the sustainability of their clients. In 2024, ENCAP provided 40,000 services to 6,500 individuals through programs such as food distribution, financial health coaching, support services, and senior longevity.
Americans across the country sharply felt the impacts of the 2026 government shutdown, including 156,000 Nebraska SNAP recipients who had their benefits withheld As the need for assistance grows due to increased cost of living and policy changes that impact our neighbors, ENCAP has been working diligently to service over 2,000 people a month. On October 20th, 2025, H.R. 1 went into effect in Nebraska, changing the eligibility requirements to use SNAP benefits from now until April 2026. There were immediate impacts leaving 17,000 Nebraska refugees suddenly ineligible.
Some of our most vulnerable neighbors include seniors and veterans who may not be able to work due to age or conditions; single parents who can only spend so much time at work because someone needs to watch the kids, but the cost of childcare is as much as rent; people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and family caretakers having to make hard decisions regarding healthcare costs alongside their food and shelter. ENCAP recognizes the different challenges that Nebraskans face by addressing the need and building a relationship that can be the foundation for a self-sustainable future. Aaron says, “We want to invest to make sure they don’t need these services at some point and maybe one day return to bring food in to give back.”
Through ENCAP’s support services, a partnership between staff and clients is formed. As basic needs are met, clients work with staff on financial education and ongoing coaching to put the pieces together towards a place of stability. It is the clients that make the tough calls as staff provide the tools and education to navigate service systems. In February 2025, ENCAP launched its Matched Savings Program to help households improve their long term economic stability by saving a little money every month with a six and twelve month match incentive. This program financially prepares families to invest in their future and ease financial shock if an emergency expense were to arise.
With growing needs in Sarpy County over the past few years, their Bellevue Food Pantry has reached capacity in its current space and will be moving to the former Bellevue Public Library to be able to better serve people in Sarpy County as a future community resource hub. The new facility will be able to double the amount of people they can serve each month and includes a support service center and grocery store-style pantry space where families can pick what they need off the shelf. ENCAP itself is building for the future to be a one-stop shop for all support needs, with a projected opening in December 2026.
Everyone should have the right to have their basic needs met to have an opportunity for a bright future. ENCAP is there to support Nebraskans in Douglas and Sarpy counties no matter the circumstances. Whether it’s regular support or a one-time stop, they help people up and ensure that they feel secure and empowered.