(Courtesy)
GRAND ISLAND – In Nebraska, 1 in 7 people may not know where their next meal is coming from.
Through the annual food drive at Husker Harvest Days, Heartland United Way is finding ways to tackle the challenge and improve the lives of individuals and families in central Nebraska facing food insecurity. To be a part of the mission, all attendees are invited to bring canned goods to support the food drive.
Last year, 110 FFA chapters participated and donated 15,036 pounds of food during the show. In addition, nine local grocery stores contributed to collections, resulting in a total of 16,241 pounds of food collected during the food drive.
All proceeds from the food drive are distributed to organizations across Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties. Food pantries, backpack programs, churches and community shelters were a few of the organizations that benefited from attendees’ donations.
Karen Rathke, president and chief professional officer of Heartland United Way, said about 25% to 32% of people in their four-county area struggle every day to make sure they have food on the table, and an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people rely on their community programs.
“Food insecurity is a daily challenge, and often it’s an unheard challenge,” Rathke said.
She added that it’s not always just children affected. Adults and the elderly on a fixed income face food insecurity, as well.
Through the HHD food drive, Heartland United Way can carry out its broader mission of building healthy communities, supporting financial security, creating youth opportunities and strengthening resilience with the help and participation of attendees and FFA chapters.
Available again this year, FFA members can receive free entry into the show in exchange for five cans of food.
“Our partnership with FFA and the Husker Harvest Days Food Drive is so vital,” Rathke said. “We love that they are working hard, telling the mission, telling the stories and helping to feed in real time children, families and the elderly populations in our community.”
Putting into action the words in the FFA motto — “living to serve” — members are helping to make a positive difference in the lives of others in their state and community.
With the help of Heartland United Way, volunteers and food drive sponsor Aurora Cooperative, attendees can help support making food programs readily available and easily accessible.
The top donations in 2025 came from:
Palmer FFA, 388 pounds of food
Ansley FFA, 334 pounds of food
Elmwood-Murdock FFA, 322 pounds of food
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