Strike Out Hunger logo

Pitch in and together, we can raise 600,000 meals!

We are excited to celebrate the 17th anniversary of Food Bank for the Heartland’s Strike Out Hunger campaign. This is a friendly competition among Heartland businesses to determine which companies can generate the most support through donations of funds, food, and volunteer time. Our online tools, support materials, and dedicated staff make the process easy, and the online scoreboard makes the competition fierce and fun!

The competition lasts the month of June and helps to feed children and families in Nebraska and western Iowa. Your support will help us provide nutritious food to thousands of families across our 93-county service area. Thank you!

2024 strike out hunger presenting sponsors

Photo of boy eating a sandwich
Food Bank for the Heartland volunteers

The bases are loaded.

This year’s campaign could not come at a better time. Although we have turned a corner on the pandemic, its lingering effects—paired with inflation and current economic hardships, mean that the need is more critical than ever. And having kids at home during summer vacation places additional strain on already tight family budgets and our area food pantries.

Thousands of children, families, seniors, and veterans experience food insecurity throughout the Food Bank’s service area. During the entire month of June, your organization can make a difference and help provide 600,000 MEALS in one or more of the following ways:

Virtual “Home Run” Funds Drive

Your organization can make a lasting impact by collecting financial donations through our online portal. The Food Bank then uses your gift to purchase the most needed food items.

“Grand Slam” Food Drive

Peanuts and Cracker Jacks are great, but there’s always a need to cover the bases with staples like peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, and canned fruits and vegetables. Hosting a food drive brings awareness to the issue of hunger and creates a great team-building activity.

"all-star" volunteer shifts

Food Bank for the Heartland volunteers are the true MVPs. In FY 2023, our volunteers donated 39,800 hours of service to the Food Bank—the equivalent of nearly 20 full-time employees! Volunteers of all abilities are welcome.

Play "Extra Innings" through Social Media Posts

Whether you’re hosting a virtual funds drive, collecting food donations, or volunteering, sharing your experiences on social media will earn your team extra points and educate others about food insecurity across the Heartland.

Hunger exists in all 93 counties throughout our service area.

In each of the 77 counties in Nebraska and 16 counties in western Iowa that Food Bank for the Heartland serves, food insecurity is present. Click below for a detailed view.

Food insecurity rate heat map of Nebraska and Iowa counties served by Food Bank for the Heartland

from the jumbotron

Questions?

Reach out to our “umpire,” Erin Burke via email or at 402.630.4790.

SAVE THE DATE FOR A SPRING TRAINING BREAKFAST ON MAY 8.

Mark your calendar for our Kick-Off Breakfast for all participating organizations on Wednesday, May 8. An email with more details will be sent to all participants soon.