Local Auto Dealerships “Driving Out Hunger” to Support the Northeast Iowa Food Bank

The Northeast Iowa Food Bank (NEIFB) is partnering with three local auto dealerships for a special December initiative called Driving Out Hunger, turning every oil change into help for people still feeling the impact of the recent government shutdown and increased need during the holiday season.  

Throughout December, Bill Colwell Ford, Dan Deery Toyota, and Rydell Chevrolet will donate a portion of each oil change to support the Northeast Iowa Food Bank as it works to provide food to people across northeast Iowa. Each dealership will also feature Northeast Iowa Food Bank collection bins where customers and community members can drop off non perishable food donations.  

“Every oil change in December helps provide meals for people facing hunger,” said  Abby Turpin, Director of Development, Marketing, and Communications at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. “We are very intentional about developing meaningful ways to engage our partners who are already so generous. Driving Out Hunger lets them do what they do best while helping us meet the increased need we are seeing after the shutdown and throughout the holiday season.”  

During the recent government shutdown, the Northeast Iowa Food Bank saw a surge in demand for food assistance as individuals and families faced uncertainty about their benefits and overall financial stability. That demand has not subsided. At the same time, NEIFB continues to experience a shortage of both funds and food and anticipates this strain will continue into the foreseeable future. The need remains. NEIFB serves 16 counties in northeast Iowa, where more than 45,000 people face food insecurity every day, including 1 in 6 children.  

“We believe food is a basic human right,” said Barbara Prather, Executive Director of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. “In recent weeks, the response from the community has been incredible, including from our leaders in city and county government who have stepped up in significant ways. Support from partners across the community, including these dealerships,  businesses, organizations, and individual donors, helps us reach more people who are simply  trying to make it through the month.”  

How “Driving Out Hunger” Works  

During the month of December:  

• Customers schedule and complete an oil change at Dan Deery Toyota, Rydell Chevrolet, or Bill Colwell Ford.  

• A portion of the proceeds from each oil change is donated directly to the  Northeast Iowa Food Bank.  

• NEIFB food collection bins at each dealership provide a convenient way to  donate non-perishable food items.  

• Funds and food raised support NEIFB’s efforts to provide food to people across northeast Iowa during the holiday season and into the new year.  

Voices from Partners  

Bill Colwell Ford  

“Community has always been at the heart of Bill Colwell Ford. This December, servicing your vehicle becomes service with a purpose — helping individuals and families across  northeast Iowa who are facing food insecurity. We invite our customers to join us in making a difference during a season when the need is especially great.”  

Dan Deery Toyota  

“For generations, our family has been proud to serve families across the Cedar  Valley. Driving Out Hunger lets every oil change become an opportunity to support neighbors who are feeling the strain of higher costs and recent uncertainty. We’re honored to 

stand alongside the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and encourage our customers to join us in helping ensure more families have the food they need.”  

Rydell Chevrolet  

“At Rydell Chevrolet, giving back is a core part of who we are. Driving Out Hunger  allows us to turn routine service into support for families who are facing increased challenges this season. We appreciate the work of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank and encourage everyone who visits us in December to help strengthen access to food across northeast Iowa.”  

For more information about Driving Out Hunger and the work of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, visit neifb.org.