One local organization is taking charge in the fight against hunger in Douglas County. Just Food is a mission to bridge the food insecurity gap by increasing access to healthy foods and teaching self-sufficiency. 

Kameron Macrorie | @kameronmacrorietv

“We believe in providing access to healthy and nutritious food to everyone in Douglas County,” Ali Curbow, director of development at Just Food, said. “Everyone deserves access to food, no questions asked.”

Just Food provides access to food for everyone, no matter their living situation. 

“When folks come into our pantry, there’s no barrier to entry,” Curbow said. “If they are unhoused and don’t have an address, of course, we’re still going to send them with food.”

Just Food sets itself apart from other local food resources through its various services and programs. In fact, it is the only combined food bank and food pantry in Douglas County.

As a food bank, they distribute food to 32 local partners, like businesses, community shelters and schools. As a food pantry, they provide food to community members in need directly at their distribution center.

At this center, shelves are lined with fresh produce, dairy, meat products and canned goods, which visitors can browse freely.

“When people come in, they grab their shopping cart and get a certain number of points, depending on how many folks are in their household, and shop throughout our shelves.”

This point system allots more points to larger families, and less to smaller families, allowing them to take an adequate amount of items to feed themselves. At the end of their shopping trip, they checkout like they would at a grocery store. 

The food on these shelves comes from a few different sources: Just Food’s on-site local garden, monthly food purchases and food donations from the community.

The latter is especially important in maintaining their supply, and Curbow said every item counts. 

“If you just have a few extra canned goods, that’s incredible and means a ton to our organization,” Curbow said. “They can be dropped off here at Just Food, or we have barrels at most of the major grocery stores.” 

These stores include Checker’s and Dillon’s, where you can purchase canned goods labeled with Just Food’s branding, which get directly sent to their shelves. 

These donations are especially important as the holiday season approaches, during which the community’s food needs skyrocket. 

“We have a pretty steady amount of shoppers throughout the year, with the exception of November and December, when it ticks up quite significantly,” Curbow said. 

To accommodate these needs, Just Food offers services beyond their food pantry, including special holiday meals, home delivery,and food drives. 

“We have over 1,500 folks signed up to receive a thanksgiving box from us,” Curbow said. “And the same kind of set up for our winter holiday distribution. We’re anticipating over 1,500 folks for that as well.”

Just Food also accepts monetary donations, which can be made on their website.