Father Wayne Pavela of Columbus, Nebraska, has made it his mission to grow fresh food and feed families in need. This year’s 15,000-pound corn crop comes at a critical time. The food bank says the hunger crisis is at an all-time high.

MAHA, Neb. — A man of the cloth in Columbus, Nebraska, has made it his mission to help get fresh food to families in need.

Since the 1990s, Father Wayne Pavela has grown sweet corn on his farm to donate to Food Bank for the Heartland.

This year, his 15,000-pound crop will feed 13,000 mouths — and his gift comes at a critical time. Food Bank for the Heartland says the hunger crisis is at an all-time high.

“We are seeing levels of insecurity we’ve not seen even during the pandemic,” said Stephanie Sullivan, communications manager for the food bank.

In May, the food bank served roughly 30,000 households. That’s now jumped to 65,000.

“Not only do our neighbors in need appreciate it so much, but our volunteers look towards the packing, and each summer it’s kind of become a tradition,” Sullivan said.

Source: Nebraska priest’s corn crop helps feed 13,000 through Food Bank for the Heartland donation