CommUnity to host sixth Hunger Banquet on April 21

IOWA CITY — On April 21, CommUnity will host its sixth annual Hunger Banquet, a unique event that gives participants a glimpse at the scope of financial hardship and hunger in Johnson County.

During this event, guests will be assigned to represent real Johnson County income demographics, which will determine the meal they receive. Thirteen percent of attendees will represent 19,600 neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

Every dollar donated to the banquet will enable the Food Bank to purchase five pounds of food. Each year, this event raises enough funding to stock the shelves for nearly six months.

Tickets are $60 per person or $480 for a table of eight. Registration ends today. Go to builtbycommunity.org/hungerbanquet2022 to register.

“This year donations are especially critical because of the recent cuts to SNAP benefits. We’ve already seen a large increase of visits to the (CommUnity) Food Bank and 100 new families have registered in just the last 30 days. It’s on us as a community to make sure our neighbors are cared for,” said Sarah Nelson, CEO of CommUnity.

After a virtual event last year, the banquet will be in person at the Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center on April 21. Social Hour begins at 5 p.m. with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit CommUnity’s Food Bank, which serves 900 households each week with supplemental grocery assistance.

“We’re really proud of the event we’ve put together this year,” said Julia Winter, CommUnity’s Development Director. “Guests can expect to leave the Hunger Banquet knowing more about the issues our neighbors face, and how they can help contribute to the success of our community.”