HACAP introduces Hunger Hero Food Drive

CEDAR RAPIDS — HACAP Food Reservoir is launching a new food drive to help advance food security in East Central Iowa. Sponsored by Alliant Energy, the food collected will be distributed to over 150 nonprofit partners in seven counties. On Saturday, community members can drop off non-perishable food between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at HACAP Food Reservoir, 1515 Hawkeye Dr., Hiawatha; Lindale Mall on the Collins Road side; or the Westdale First Federal Credit Union, 3810 Westdale Dr. SW, Cedar Rapids.

Nearly 40,000 people in East Central Iowa don’t have reliable access to enough nutritious food. Those facing food insecurity rely on the charitable food system to provide food for their families. HACAP Food Reservoir supplies food to more than 150 nonprofit partner agencies. Last year, HACAP Food Reservoir distributed over 9 million pounds of food. More than half of the food distributed came from donations to the food bank from retail stores, food manufacturers and distributors, and community food drives. Without donations, the cost of purchasing food presents a significant barrier to HACAP Food Reservoir’s work.

“We know that everyone is feeling the strain on their wallets due to the rising cost of food, and our program is feeling the same strain. We rely on the generosity of our community, and they continue to amaze me in the ways that they show up for us,” said Kim Guardado, HACAP Food Reservoir Director.

The Hunger Hero Food Drive on Saturday provides an opportunity for the community to show their support for neighbors facing food insecurity. Keeping up with the demand for food this spring has left the HACAP Food Reservoir warehouse emptier than usual. The most requested foods from neighbors include peanut butter, canned chicken, canned tuna, canned vegetables, and canned fruit.

To learn more about the Hunger Hero Food Drive visit hacap.org/hungerhero.