Nebraska For Us welcomes 100+ guests for fall family night

PAPILLION, Nebraska (October 14, 2026)—With Halloween just around the corner, Nebraska For Us hosted a free, fall-themed family night Tuesday at the Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch. With rising costs putting a squeeze on Nebraska families, we aimed to provide a free opportunity for families to enjoy the festivities together by covering admission and providing a meal and s’mores.

“Families are having to cut corners and find ways to save any way they can, and luxuries like family outings often have to go on the back burner,” Nebraska For Us State Director Angie Lauritsen said. “Giving back to the community in this way while helping address the soaring cost of living is deeply rewarding. Roughly 115 guests joined us for a night of family fun.”

Americans are spending more and more on everyday staples along with seasonal celebrations like Halloween, with goods like candy cost more in large part due to tariffs. Nebraska’s federal delegation has voted multiple times to allow tariffs to continue pushing up those costs even further.

Goods are getting more expensive, which is why nights like this are all the more important. While spending is up, the National Retail Federation says shoppers are far more focused on finding good deals and shopping earlier than in past years.

“Traffic continues to rise at our pantry as grocery prices keep going up, and we are seeing more and more new visitors amid the growing need and cuts to SNAP,” food pantry volunteer Tamara Bailey said. “People are really hurting right now, and they desperately need relief.”

Nebraska For Us focuses on the impact of federal economic policy and how cuts to key programs affect hardworking Nebraskans. Community events like this one seek to raise awareness on these growing economic challenges.