Thank you to our 2025 participating sites and donors!
We are thrilled to announce that this year's food drive achieved the third highest results on record! With nearly 40 dedicated volunteers picking up donations from over 80 collection sites, we successfully delivered to 20 local pantries across the county.
Thank you to everyone who donated and volunteered; your support truly makes a significant difference in the lives of our neighbors!. In total, more than 20,000 pounds of donations (food and hygiene items) have been collected. In addition, more than $12,000 has been collected to support food security in our communities.
2025 AWARDS
YOUTH/SCHOOLS
Most Needed Pantry Items: Ames Middle School - Little Cyclone Leadership Council
Most Pounds: Nevada Middle School, 414 pounds
Most Dollars: ISU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (CyCans) with $3,727
COMMUNITY
Most Pounds - Large Org: Iowa State University, 2,962+ pounds
Most Pounds - Small/Medium Org: Burke Corporation, 1,062 pounds
Most Dollars: Ortho2 with $2,495
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
Most Needed Pantry Items: ISU Department of Physics & Astronomy
Most Pounds: Drive-Up Sites coordinated by ISU Logistics, 333 pounds
Most Dollars: Ivy College of Business with $1,225
Monetary Donations
Food pantries welcome monetary donations, in addition to nonperishable and hygiene items. Why? They need to purchase meat, milk, eggs, and other staples for their visitors. Some items can be purchased at a reduced rate from Food Bank of Iowa, meaning your donated dollar can go further than at a grocery store.
There are several ways to donate:
- Cash or check – Drop these off at our office and designate "Food" in the memo line.
- Online – Make a donation on our website using the “Donate” tab. Include your employer’s name if you want to be sure your donation is credited to a specific organization. Under “Association with a special project,” choose "Other” and write "Food" in the text box.
- Venmo – Use this QR code to donate, making sure to put “Food" in the memo.
Physical Donations
Check out the pantry wish list below, or grab some of your favorite items next time you're at the store! Think of what you'd like to feed your family. Cake mixes with cooking oil, mixed nuts for a healthy snack. Plus, some high-demand items (like paper products) aren't in stock at the food bank, thus can't be purchased at a reduced rate, and the pantry needs them on their shelves for local families!
Interested in becoming a Live United Food Drive Drop Off location?
Complete the form by clicking here or email Sarah Mansell at smansell@uwstory.org.