How to give food

Food Bank for the Heartland receives generous donations of food every day from supporters in the community: truckloads from our manufacturing and retail partners, fresh produce from local producers and nonperishable items collected at food drives. You can contribute to the Food Bank’s mission of serving the hungry in Nebraska and western Iowa in many ways.

Most-needed food items

Peanut butter

Macaroni & cheese

Canned tuna & chicken

Cereal

Pancake mix

Canned fruit & vegetables

Pork & beans

Pasta & sauce

Boxed meals

Food Industry Donations

Large-scale food donations are critical to Food Bank for the Heartland’s mission. Donating surplus inventory, test production runs or excess ingredients to the Food Bank is safe, efficient, cost-effective. It is also a great way to build corporate goodwill in the community!

The Food Bank accepts donations of dry, refrigerated and frozen food items. We provide free product pickup, adhere to strict food safety guidelines and provide complete product tracking, including recall capabilities.

Supporters realize tax benefits for their generosity, and the Federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act protects gifts to Food Bank for the Heartland. As a 501 (c)(3) organization, we comply with all IRS record-keeping responsibilities and will provide you with the documentation you need to obtain the tax benefits of your donation.

Help feed your bottom line and people in our community by making a donation. For more information about food industry donations, please contact Mike Gudenrath, Food Sourcing Manager, at 402.905.4826.

Retail Rescue

The Retail Rescue program is a great way to donate some of the Food Bank’s most-needed food items. The program accepts perishable and shelf-stable food, with an emphasis on retail products such as meat, produce, deli, dairy and bakery.

Participation is easy because all donations are collected by a Food Bank for the Heartland driver or cooperating agency partner. Our drivers are certified food handlers trained to the standards required by the Department of Environmental Health and the Department of Agriculture.

To discuss donation opportunities, please contact Mike Gudenrath, Food Sourcing Manager, at 402.905.4826.

Agricultural Donations

People who are food insecure do not always have access to fresh produce that is critical to good nutrition. Food Bank for the Heartland accepts surplus fruits and vegetables, less-than-ideal produce that is still perfectly edible and extra land to grow fresh food.

Whether a backyard grower, distributor or local farmer, you can reduce waste, better utilize available resources and help bring more food to those in our community who are hungry. For more information, please contact Mike Gudenrath, Food Sourcing Manager, at 402.905.4826.

Food Drives

Looking for a meaningful way to take action and support Food Bank for the Heartland’s mission? Food drives raise awareness of hunger in the community, collect food for people in need and play an essential role in the fight against hunger across Nebraska and western Iowa. Sign up today using the form below or contact Danielle Helm, Food Sourcing Coordinator, at 402.905.4825.

For information about making an additional impact through a virtual funds drive, please click here.

Create a food drive

Looking for a meaningful way to take action and support Food Bank for the Heartland’s mission? Food and funds drives raise awareness of hunger in the community, collect food for people in need and play an essential role in the fight against hunger.

Funds

Your Information

Name of Organization

First Name *

Last Name *

Address 1 *

Address 2

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Country *

Email Address *

Phone Number

Food drive start date

Food drive end date

Would you like to include a virtual food drive?YesNo

We have boxes available at Food Bank for the Heartland that you may pick up. Due to our 78,000-square-mile service area and increased transportation costs and demands, we can no longer deliver and pick up barrels for food drives. You may pick up your boxes and bring your collected food to the Food Bank (10525 J Street Omaha, NE 68127) Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Your delivery is just as important as your donation.

Any special instructions?

Receive the latest news from Food Bank for the Heartland.

Processing

Please wait while we finish processing your transaction...

Drop off food

We consider your transportation of collected food as part of your donation. Your delivery to our warehouse allows us to use our resources in a cost-effective manner. Food Bank for the Heartland is located at 10525 J Street, Omaha, NE 68127. Look for the blue donation bins.

Donation pick-up

Our drivers are certified food handlers trained to the standards required by the Department of Environmental Health and the Department of Agriculture. To schedule a pick-up of a large-scale food donation of 1,000 pounds or more, please contact Danielle Helm, Food Sourcing Coordinator, at 402.905.4825.