Husker Harvest Days donations help fill local food pantries

Nebraska and Iowa FFA chapters united to help feed those in need in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick Counties during Husker Harvest Days.

“People have no idea how many struggle with food insecurity and those whose next meal is not a guarantee is too many,” said Karen Rathke, Heartland United Way president and chief professional officer.

Over the three-day event 15,036 pounds of food was brought in by FFA students and show attendees.

Small schools led the way in 2025 with Palmer, Ansley, and Elmwood Murdock all donating more than 300 pounds.

Nine local grocery stores collected food leading up to Husker Harvest Days, bringing the total collected in 2025 to 16,241 pounds, leaving containers overflowing inside a Chief Construction trailer parked at the show’s entrance. The total number of pounds and schools participating was slightly down from 2024, which is an unfortunate donation trend reported by organizations.

Friday, 19 pantries, shelters and backpack programs loaded that food into boxes to share it with people in need.

“We are seeing a huge need. Our numbers have shot up from a year ago,” said Bruce Ramsour, Hamilton County Food Pantry board member. “The donations like this, that fills us up right away, which is wonderful.”

Ramsour estimates the food they loaded on Friday will last for about a month at the pantry. He said cash and food donations have been steady for their organization.
Those picking up for Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church said they’ve had to reduce the number of bags they give out to each recipient to keep up with the need.

“We just want to thank the United Way and the FFA kids who bring food. It’s so valuable and appreciated. It just really helps meet a need,” said Vanessa Ward, Grand Island Elks Lodge Food Pantry volunteer.

That need is year-round, and we encourage you to continue to support these organizations participating:
Cairo Community Food Pantry
Crossroads Mission Avenue, Grand Island
Central Community College, Grand Island
First Faith United Methodist Church, Grand Island
Free Food and Many Blessings, Grand Island
Grand Island Elks Lodge
Grand Island Public Library
Grand Island Public Schools
Hope Harbor, Grand Island
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Grand Island
Hamilton County Backpack Program, Aurora
Hamilton County Food Pantry, Aurora
Howard Greeley County Food Pantry, St. Paul
Mid-Plains Center, Grand Island
Literacy Council, Grand Island
Little Blue Food Pantry, Grand Island
St. Mary's Food Pantry, Grand Island
Willow Rising, Grand Island
Wood River Food Pantry