2 Million Meals..... and Counting!
Matt Talbot exists because of the compassion and vision of volunteers who saw an unmet need in our community in 1992. These early volunteers were concerned about homeless people living on the streets of downtown Lincoln. They wanted to reach out to this population and started by serving one meal on Saturday nights. The needs were great, and more people wanted to help. Soon meals were served every day. Since that first meal in 1992 over two million meals have been served to those who hunger for food and a better life.
Today, volunteers remain the heart and soul of Matt Talbot. With over 900 volunteers helping each month with hunger relief and other activities at the community kitchen, MTKO coordinates one of the largest volunteer efforts in the Lincoln community.
Individuals and families come to MTKO during times of crisis, as well as when they are rebuilding and stabilizing after a crisis has occurred. Sixty percent of people served at Matt Talbot are the working poor or near homeless, where eating meals at MTKO may prevent homelessness by allowing these individuals to save money to pay for rent, utilities, or gas. Approximately 40% of those served at Matt Talbot are homeless.
Everyone is welcome to to walk through our open doors and get a hot meal two times 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. Annually Matt Talbot provides more than 100,000 meals to Lincoln's working poor and homeless. Food pantries are also available for those who do not have enough food at home.
Outreach staff is available in the dining room during meal times to connect people to resources that take care of the whole person - providing beyond basic needs to embolden people to have hope.
