Finding possibilities when things seem impossible.
BOLD HOPE
Our Services
Everyone is welcome to walk through our open doors and get a hot prepared meal twice a day, every day of the year. Lunch is served from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm and dinner is served from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. The Fresh Choice Pantry is open 4 days a week, and pre-packaged food pantries are also available.
Relieving Hunger
Defeating Homelessness
Working toward a bold vision to defeat hunger and homelessness, our housing program uses evidence-based best practices to secure safe and stable housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Addressing Addiction
Free substance evaluations, counseling, weekly AA meetings, and alcohol & drug education classes help those who struggle with substance use and addiction.
Providing Outreach
Our extensive outreach and advocacy services connect individuals with resources that go beyond daily meals to meet other basic, emergency, and health needs.
Current & Upcoming Events
Feeding the Soul of the City
Chef Showdown
Mar. 26, 2026
Souper Bowl
of Caring
Feb 8, 2026
Big News!
Big News!
Matt Talbot Kitchen Seeks Volunteers as Meal Demand Continues to Rise
February 23, 2026
(LINCOLN, NE) - Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is seeking volunteer hunger relief teams as the number of meals served grows in response to rising community need.
As Lincoln’s only community kitchen and day center for individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty, Matt Talbot serves nutritious lunch and dinner meals every day. On average, 283 meals are prepared and served daily, and that number continues to climb.
In 2025, Matt Talbot provided more than 263,000 meals through onsite meals and its Fresh Choice Pantry, a 13% increase in dining room meals compared to the previous year. Comparing January 2025 to January 2026, Fresh Choice Pantry visits more than doubled and onsite meals increased by 25%.
“Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do,” said Alynn Sampson, executive director. “As more neighbors turn to us for support, we rely on the generosity of volunteer teams to ensure everyone who walks through our doors is met with dignity, compassion, and a warm meal.”
Meals are served cafeteria style in Matt Talbot’s dining room. Volunteers typically prepare and serve meals, with staff providing guidance on menu planning and access to USDA food.
Matt Talbot has several recurring openings for meal teams in 2026, as well as opportunities for one-time volunteer service. Volunteer teams may choose from three options:
· Provide, Prepare & Serve: Teams purchase ingredients, prepare the meal, and serve it. This option helps reduce food costs and allows more funding to support housing and case management services.
· Pay & Serve: Teams make a $300 donation to cover food costs; staff prepare the meal while volunteers serve.
· Sides & Serve: Teams provide side dishes while Matt Talbot prepares the main entrée.
Community groups are encouraged to schedule as soon as possible.
To learn more or inquire about open volunteer dates, contact Victoria O’Neil, Director of Hunger Relief and Volunteerism, at victoria.oneil@mtko.org or 402-817-0623.
For information about making a monetary donation in support of the hunger relief program, contact Lori Wellman, Director of Development, at lori.wellman@mtko.org or 402-817-0621.
Sponsor Spotlight
Thank you, American Life!
American Life Hosts Golf Tournament, Raises $30,000 for Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach
American Life hosted the 1st Annual American Life Charity Golf Scramble on August 4, 2025, at Wilderness Ridge Country Club. Thanks to the generous sponsors, teams, and volunteers, the event raised $30,000, enough to cover 75% of the cost of the 8,926 nutritious, prepared meals served at Matt Talbot in August.
“American Life shows up for our community in so many ways,” said Alynn Sampson, Executive Director. “We are grateful for their partnership and for this generous gift.”
Matt Talbot provided nearly 250,000 meals last year through on-site prepared meals and food pantries – a 59% increase over the past five years. An average of 246 onsite meals are served every day, with staff assisting over 3,000 individuals through more than 55,000 outreach and homeless prevention services annually.
American Life is committed to providing best-in-class life and annuity products. They combine the industry's best practices with forward-thinking technology to deliver market-leading products and a seamless customer experience.