Shelters & pantries stress need as Heartland United Way Food Drive begins

Collecting for the Heartland United Way’s 2025 Husker Harvest Days Food Drive has begun at local grocery stores.

“We are so blessed to be one of the receiving pantries for these donated food items!” said Mandy Schweitzer, Community Food Pantry.  “The Community Food Pantry serves the residents of Boelus, Cairo and Dannebrog.  This is a time of year when we generally see an increase in guests to our pantry and a decrease in donations. So, this opportunity reaches far into our communities as a blessing to many!”

In 2024, the Heartland United Way Food Drive brought in nearly 17,000 pounds of non-perishable food, supporting 21 local food pantries, shelters and backpack programs in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick Counties.

“Grand Island Crossroads Mission Avenue has been providing food resources for our guests and our Hall County community for the past six years. Currently, Crossroads experiences a consistent demand for around 500 food boxes each month, while our food donations have fallen by 66% in 2025. The need for the community’s help at this time is critical and can’t be overstated!” said Linda Barrett, Crossroads Mission Avenue grant development director.

The following grocery stores are currently accepting donations through September 5.
•     Aurora Mall - Aurora
•     Central City Mall / Jim's Foods – Central City
•     Hometown Market - St. Paul
•     Hy-Vee – Grand Island
•     Kerry's Grocery - Dannebrog
•     MNO Hometown Market - Ravenna
•     Osceola Food Mart - Osceola
•     Super Saver - 1602 W 2nd Street, Grand Island
•     Super Saver - 710 W. State Street, Grand Island
•     Whitefoot Market - Boelus

Don’t want to spend extra time in the grocery store aisles? You can purchase a $10 or $20 bag at participating Hy-Vee and Super Saver stores and they will assemble the donation for you.

Proteins like peanut butter, tuna and chicken as well as soup and stews are among the most needed food items.

“The food we are needing the most of is pancake syrup and pancake mix, chunky soups (these serve as a meal for our retired gentlemen), soup crackers, pork and beans, canned fruit, vegetables,” said Sandi Mudloff, Howard Greeley County Food Pantry manager.

The largest food collection happens during Husker Harvest Days, September 9-11. FFA chapters are taught the importance of their role in feeding America, and they are given the chance to impact their own home state. To help, those at Heartland United Way have made it available for students in FFA chapters to have free entry into Husker Harvest Days in return for five cans of food. FFA members donated 15,645 pounds during the 3-day event last year.

The Heartland United Way Food Drive is made possible by community members, FFA chapters and these generous sponsors: Husker Harvest Days, Aurora Cooperative, Farm Progress and Nebraska Farmer.