Northeast Iowa Food Bank Invites Community to Take Action During Hunger Action Month

September events, partnerships, and volunteer opportunities will raise awareness of food insecurity across northeast Iowa.

September is Hunger Action Month, and the Northeast Iowa Food Bank (NEIFB) is inviting communities across its 16-county service area to join together to raise awareness, volunteer, and support the thousands of people facing food insecurity.

More than 45,000 people across northeast Iowa, including nearly 15,000 children, are food insecure. As the need for food assistance remains high, Hunger Action Month is an opportunity to learn more about food insecurity and take action to help.

“The need remains across northeast Iowa, and Hunger Action Month gives all of us an opportunity to do something about it,” said Barbara Prather, Executive Director of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. “Whether you volunteer, donate food, attend an event, or simply help share information about food insecurity, every action helps us provide more food to people throughout our communities.”

Throughout September, NEIFB will partner with businesses, organizations, volunteers, and elected officials on activities across the Cedar Valley and northeast Iowa.

Hunger Action Month Highlights Ways to Participate This September

• Advocate: Share NEIFB’s Hunger Action Month posts and videos on social media, and visit the Food Bank’s Advocacy page to stay informed about policies affecting food insecurity and hunger relief.

• Volunteer: Volunteers are at the heart of what we do. Sign up to sort, pack, or distribute food at neifb.org/volunteer.

• Donate: Join Team NEIFB. Commit to being part of the solution with a monthly gift of $16, $1 for each of the 16 counties NEIFB serves. Join at neifb.org/get-involved/team-neifb.

• September 5 – Food Truck Festival: Visit NEIFB’s truck at the annual Food Truck Festival in downtown Waterloo and help raise awareness about food insecurity.

• September 11 – Waverly Day of Caring: Volunteers will come together to support NEIFB and other organizations throughout the Waverly area. Learn more at wsrunitedway.org/dayofcaring.

• September 13 – Checker’s Stone Soul Picnic: Enjoy food and music while supporting NEIFB from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Overman Park in Cedar Falls. The event is free, with freewill donations encouraged. All proceeds benefit children’s programs at NEIFB. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/stonesoulpicnic

• September 17 – Good Morning Cedar Valley: NEIFB will host the Grow Cedar Valley business community at the Food Bank beginning at 7:30 a.m. Guests will have the opportunity to see the facility and hear updates on the building expansion and renovation. Register here.

• September 23–30 – Protein Drive: Help stock Food Bank shelves by donating high-demand protein items during NEIFB’s weeklong Protein Drive at area fitness locations.

• September 24–25 – Fall Sack Lunch: Support NEIFB while enjoying lunch during this annual fundraiser. Order at neifb.org/events/fall-sack-lunch.

• September 29 – Hunger Action Day: Local elected officials will volunteer at NEIFB and see firsthand the work being done to address food insecurity across northeast Iowa.

• September 29 – Wear Orange: Wear orange, the official color of hunger awareness, to show your support for hunger relief and help raise awareness.

• September 29 – Waterloo Goes Orange: The City of Waterloo will light the downtown bridge orange in recognition of Hunger Action Day.

Local businesses are also joining the effort. Throughout September, participating Scooter’s Coffee locations will donate $1 from each Orange Velvet drink sold to NEIFB. Carlos O’Kelly’s will also support Hunger Action Day on September 29.

Communities throughout northeast Iowa are recognizing Hunger Action Month through local proclamations, including Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Waverly, Independence, and Black Hawk County.

Hunger Action Month comes as NEIFB continues responding to sustained demand across its service area. In Fiscal Year 2026, the Food Bank provided more than 8.5 million meals through its programs and network of more than 125 partner agencies.

NEIFB is also nearing completion of its $14 million Capacity Campaign expansion and renovation in Waterloo. The new Cedar Valley Food Pantry opened in August, providing additional space to better serve families and individuals, while construction continues on expanded food storage, kitchen, volunteer, and distribution areas.

“Food insecurity is something we can address together,” Prather said. “Hunger Action Month is about turning awareness into action. There is a place for everyone to be part of this work.”

To learn more about Hunger Action Month, volunteer, donate, or get involved, visit neifb.org.