Molina Healthcare of Nebraska Donates $20,000 to Support Purchase of New Food Fort Mobile Unit
Media Contact: Ben Jackey, Ben.Jackey@molinahealthcare.com
LINCOLN, Neb., Oct. 12, 2026 – Molina Healthcare of Nebraska (“Molina”) awarded a grant to Food Fort to help purchase and renovate a bus to serve nutritious meals to children in underserved neighborhoods. The $20,000 donation will help bring greater stability to the program after disruptions caused by an aging vehicle.
Molina’s grant addresses an important social determinant of health – access to nutritious food. Feeding America data show 21.6% of children in Lancaster County are food insecure, compared to 11.8% three years prior. That marks an 84% increase.
Every week Food Fort provides meals, mentorship, and educational services to youth and families in four Lincoln neighborhoods – Clinton, West Lincoln, Saratoga, and South Salt Creek. However, the bus transporting the meals was 35 years old and in need of repairs. Molina’s donation, in addition to giving from other community organizations, allowed Food Fort to purchase a newer vehicle with air conditioning, heat, lights, and additional seating.
“Because of Molina Healthcare’s generosity, we have had a tremendous amount of flexibility while renovating the new Food Fort bus,” Michaela Akridge, executive director of Food Fort. “We don’t have to choose between high quality or low cost because we know that we have the financial backing of great community organizations, like Molina. The youth in Lincoln deserve the very best and the intentionality behind the new bus will make Food Fort’s meal service one step better for years to come.”
The grant is part of Molina’s strategic effort to combat food insecurity throughout the state. Molina has donated to food pantries and sponsored large fresh produce giveaways over the last year. The health plan also opened a mini pantry at its One-Stop Resource Center in Omaha just last month.
“Nebraska food insecurity is above the national average, affecting more and more individuals each year; and Molina is collaborating with community partners to stem the tide,” said Frank Clepper, plan president for Molina Healthcare of Nebraska. “Support for Food Fort ensures a vulnerable population, our children, are getting the nutrition they need to improve their overall well-being.”
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About Molina Healthcare of Nebraska
Molina Healthcare of Nebraska, Inc., provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through the Medicaid program in Nebraska. Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare, please visit MolinaHealthcare.com.