What is the Student Food Drive?

An effort to collect and donate food and funds to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, to help provide food to the 1 in 8 northeast Iowans who don't know where their next meal is coming from.

How does it work?

With the help of a faculty advisor, students plan school events and contests to promote the food drive, organize their food and fund collection, and package and deliver the food to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.

When is this happening?

Monday, October 5th- Friday, November 6th.

How does this benefit those in need?

Food collected will be channeled back into participating communities in our various programs throughout the 16 counties we serve in northeast Iowa.

MOST NEEDED ITEMS

Holiday meal items such as stuffing, boxed potatoes, canned green beans, pie filling, pie crusts, canned cranberries, etc.
Foods high in protein such as canned meats (i.e., tuna, chicken, salmon) & peanut butter
Foods high in nutrients, such as canned fruits & vegetables
Rice, cereal, granola bars, & pasta
Canned soups, chilies, and stews
Personal care items such as toilet paper, bar soap, toothpaste/toothbrush

ITEMS WE CANNOT TAKE

Rusty or unlabeled cans
Perishable items (applies only to food drive donations)
Homemade or home canned items
Noncommercial canned or packaged items
Alcoholic beverages, mixes, or soda
Opened or used items
Clothing
Animal food
Pop or bottled water
Bulk or commercial-sized items

About The Northeast Iowa Food Bank

The Northeast Iowa Food Bank provides nutritious food and grocery products to 125 nonprofit organizations and programs who assist individuals who are in need of food assistance throughout northeast Iowa. Last year, the Food Bank distributed more 8.56 million meals within a 16-county service area.

The Food Bank provides eight programs that serve the community: Agency Distribution, Cedar Valley Food Pantry, BackPack Program, Kids Café, Senior Nutrition, Mobile Food Pantries, Summer Feeding, and School Markets. The Food Bank is a member of the Iowa Food Bank Association and Feeding America. For more information, visit neifb.org.

Student Food Drive 2026

Donate to your choice school to help them win the competition for who can raise the most meals!

Team Members