The World Food Prize Foundation

Managing a Food Drive

Food banks are non-profit organizations that help distribute food items to those who can’t afford enough food to avoid food insecurity. Food banks collect millions of pounds of food to then give to various food pantries set up throughout their local communities. 

A great way to help support these local food banks is by organizing a food drive at your school. Food drives help food banks assist families and individuals in need by providing them with the nutrients they need to avoid hunger. Food drives are a simple form of fundraisers that help your local food banks stockpile desired food items in order to distribute to various pantries.

By hosting a food drive, schools can bring their communities together to serve a greater purpose. Whether a big or small food drive, the smallest contribution goes a long way.

Tips:

  • Contact your local food bank for advice
  • Pick a time period/range for your food drive
  • Pick a fun theme
  • Pick a safe place/bins to put food in
  • Set a realistic goal to motivate students and teachers
  • Promote your food drive and get the word out!
  • Organize with your food bank how the food donated will be picked up
  • Give out rewards for students who participate
  • Have fun!

Local Contacts:

There are seven food banks in Iowa that cover all 99 counties:

Northeast Iowa Food Bank  |  www.northeastiowafoodbank.org

Counties served: Allamakee, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Fayette, Floyd, Grundy, Howard, Mitchell, Poweshiek, Tama, Winneshiek

For more information:
Alisha Rulapaugh
Director of Community Engagement
arulapaugh@northeastiowafoodbank.org
319-235-0507

To participate:
Visit www.northeastiowafoodbank.org, click on “Host a Food Drive” under the “Get Involved” tab. Complete the form listed on the “Host a Food Drive” tab.


River Bend Foodbank  |  www.riverbendfoodbank.org

Counties served: Clinton, Dubuque, Jackson, Muscatine, Scott

To participate:
Visit www.riverbendfoodbank.org, click on “Menu”, go to “Organize Funds/Food Drive” under the “Get Involved” tab. Complete the form listed on the “Organize Funds/Food Drive” tab.

For more information:
Leslie Corlett
Corporate Gifts Officer
lcorlett@riverbendfoodbank.org

St. Stephen’s Food Bank  |  www.ststephensfoodbank.org

For more information:
Diane Erickson
Programs Director
derickson@riverbendfoodbank.org
563-345-3490 ext 203


Food Bank for the Heartland  |  www.foodbankheartland.org

Counties served: Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, Shelby

To participate:
Visit www.foodbankheartland.org, click on “Menu”, “Donate Food”, and “Create a Food Drive”. Foodbank of the Heartland will provide collection boxes and food drop-off sites. To volunteer, complete the form listed on the “Create a Food Drive” tab. 

For more information:  
Maggie Schill
MSchill@foodbankheartland.org
402-905-4825


Food Bank of Siouxland  |  www.siouxlandfoodbank.org

Counties served: Cherokee, Crawford, Ida, Lyon, Monona, Plymouth, Sioux, Woodbury

To participate:
Visit www.siouxlandfoodbank.org, go to “Host Your Own Food Drive or Fundraiser” under the “Give” tab.

For more information:
Tiffany Kissinger
Program and Administrative Coordinator
tiffany@siouxlandfoodbank.org
712-255-9741


HACAP Food Reservoir  |  www.hacap.org

Counties served: Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Washington

To participate:
Visit www.hacap.org, go to “Food Drives” or “Contact us” under the “How to Help” tab. HACAP can provide boxes and arrange pickup to collect donated food items.


Food Bank of Iowa  |  www.foodbankiowa.org

Counties served:

Region one:
Osceola, Dickinson, Emmet, Kossuth, O’Brien, Clay, Palo Alto, Buena Vista, Pocahontas, Humboldt, Sac, Calhoun, Webster

Region two:
Winnebago, Worth, Hancock, Cerro Gordo, Wright, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Boone, Story

Region three:
Carroll, Greene, Audubon, Guthrie, Dallas, Adair, Madison, Adams, Union, Clarke, Lucas, Taylor, Ringgold, Decatur

Region four:
Marshall, Polk, Jasper, Warren, Marion

Region five:
Mahasha, Keokuk, Monroe, Wapello, Jefferson, Henry, Wayne, Appanoose, Davis, Van Buren, Lee, Des Moines, Louisa

To participate:
Visit www.foodbankiowa.org, click on “Menu”, go to “Food Drive” under the “Make a Difference” tab. Complete the form listed on the “Make a Difference” tab to help Food Bank of Iowa stay informed about your food drive.

For more information:
Download Food Bank of Iowa’s Food Drive Tool Kit under the “Make a Difference” tab for tips and a customizable flyer that will help your food drive succeed.

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