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

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.

Food & Funds Drives

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 across Nebraska and western Iowa.

Sponsor a food and funds drive at your office, school, place of worship, neighborhood or civic organization. We provide collection boxes for your convenience. Utilize one of our current food drop-off sites in the community or use our Virtual Food Drive for a quick, efficient way to contribute.

For more information, complete our online form or contact Maggie Schill , Food Sourcing Coordinator, at 402.905.4825.

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.