USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
Explains which foods are safe at room temperature and which cans to throw away.
Official page: fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/shelf-stable-food
How to Make Blessing Bags in Nebraska
How to make blessing bags for neighbors without a home in Nebraska: safe food, cold weather items, and a card with 211 and other help lines.
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Hi friend. A blessing bag is a small bag of useful things you keep ready to hand to a neighbor who needs it. Here is how to make one that is safe and helpful in Nebraska weather.
Quick answers
What food is safe to put in a blessing bag?
Pick foods that are safe at room temperature, like sealed snacks and canned or bottled foods. Leave out anything marked Keep Refrigerated, and don't use cans that bulge, leak or have deep dents.
Official page: fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/shelf-stable-food
Can I keep blessing bags in my car?
USDA says to store shelf stable food below 85 F, and heat over 100 F raises the chance of spoiling. Swap out food that sat in a hot car.
Official page: fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/shelf-stable-food
What helps most in a Nebraska winter?
Hats, scarves, gloves or mittens and warm dry socks. CDC says to cover the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes, and that people outside a long time have a higher risk of frostbite.
Official page: cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/preventing-frostbite.html
What if someone seems very cold or confused?
Shivering, confusion, slurred speech and sleepiness can be signs of hypothermia, which CDC calls a medical emergency. Call 911 and help them get somewhere warm.
Official page: cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/index.html
Your next steps
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
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All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: a kind word and a smile matter as much as the bag. Ask before you hand it over, and respect a no thank you.
Who to call in Nebraska
Here are official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
CDC, Preventing Hypothermia
Says to wear loose layers, a hat, scarf, gloves and water resistant boots, and lists warning signs of hypothermia.
Official page: cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/index.html
CDC, Preventing Frostbite
Lists signs of frostbite like numbness and white or gray skin.
Official page: cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/preventing-frostbite.html
211 Nebraska/Iowa Helpline
Free and open all day and night for shelter, food and other help. Write 211 on a card in each bag.
Official page: uwm211.org
More help in Nebraska
Housing help in Nebraska (rent, eviction, utilities)Start Here: Help in Nebraska, Step by StepEmergency Shelter Tonight in Nebraska: How to Find a Safe BedNo cost Food Help in Nebraska: SNAP, WIC and Food BanksNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in NebraskaNo cost Job Help and Job Training in NebraskaNo cost and Low Cost Health and Mental Health Care in NebraskaDomestic Violence Safety and Housing Help in NebraskaHelp for Veterans in Nebraska: Housing, Health and BenefitsHelp for Youth and Young Adults in NebraskaGetting ID and Documents Back in NebraskaNo cost and Low Cost Phones and Internet in NebraskaNo cost Legal and Tenant Help in Nebraska
Sources last checked Oct 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.