Meals from the Heartland

06/09/2026

Round 2 of the fight against hunger for our friends in South Africa starts June 16!

Last month, volunteers came together to package thousands of nutritious meals for children and families in South Africa through our partnership with Blessman International. Now, we're ready to continue the fight against hunger, and we need your help.

Every shift helps provide hope, nourishment, and opportunity to children who rely on these meals each day.

Whether you joined us during our first South Africa packaging week or are looking to get involved for the first time, we'd love to see you back at the Patty Cownie Packaging Center!

Sign up today and help us continue feeding our neighbors in need in South Africa: https://bit.ly/MealsforSouthAfrica2026

06/09/2026

We’re out at Wakonda Club this week for the Principal Charity Classic!

It’s a fun week, but more importantly, it’s a reminder of what’s possible when people come together to make a real impact for kids facing hunger.

06/08/2026

The Cedar Rapids Hunger Fight is only possible because of the incredible businesses and organizations that step up to fight hunger alongside us.

Thanks to their support, hundreds of volunteers will come together this week, June 9-10 with one goal: helping provide 250,000 meals for children and families facing hunger.

Please join us in thanking our Cedar Rapids Hunger Fight sponsors for making this impact possible:
Presenting Sponsors: Transamerica, Hy-Vee
Gold Sponsors: Collins Aerospace, General Mills
Silver Sponsors: Cargill, TrueNorth

Drop a 💙 in the comments to help us show these hunger fighting Sponsors some appreciation!

06/03/2026

Because of Birdies for Charity and the Principal Charity Classic, your support stretches even further.

Those matching funds mean more meals on the table for families who need them. We’re so grateful to be part of a program that lifts up communities across Iowa.

06/02/2026

We're excited to share that our new website is officially live!

Whether you're looking to volunteer, make a donation, sign up for an event, or learn more about the impact you're making, our new website makes it easier than ever to get connected to our mission.

You'll find:
- Easier volunteer registration
- Updated event information
- Stories of impact
- A mobile-friendly experience
- More ways to get involved

A huge thank you to Blue Compass for helping bring this project to life. Their amazing team helped us create a website that better tells the Meals from the Heartland story and makes it easier for our volunteers, donors, and community to join the fight against hunger!

Take a look and let us know what you think!

Join Meals from the Heartland in feeding children in Iowa, across the U.S., and around the world. Volunteer, give, and make a real impact.

06/01/2026

Registration is NOW OPEN for Compete & Eat! 🎉

One of our favorite nights of the year is back as the kickoff to our 19th Annual Des Moines Hunger Fight!

Grab a team of 10 and join local businesses as you compete in the Hy-Vee One Step Challenge to see who can package 2 boxes of meals the fastest - all while helping feed children and families facing hunger.

After the competition, enjoy incredible small plates from some of the Des Moines area’s top chefs during the Morsel Combat competition. Friendly competition, amazing food, and a mission that matters.

Then keep the momentum going during our Annual Hunger on October 6-10, as our community comes together with a goal of packaging 1.75 million meals for those in need! 💙

Sign Up Today: https://bit.ly/CompeteandEat2026

05/30/2026

A fun Saturday morning at the Patty Cownie Packaging Center. 💙

Nigerian Association of Iowa chose to celebrate Children’s Day (May 27 in Nigeria) by serving with us, alongside Girl Scout Troop 947, KKR, Berean Church, and several families.

Some of our littlest volunteers stayed busy during the shift with markers, boxes, and their own creativity. 🎨

We're thankful for everyone who spent part of their weekend helping provide meals and hope to our neighbors around the world. Thank you for making the morning so special!

05/30/2026

Food insecurity affects more than physical health, it can impact mental health, too.

The stress of not knowing where your next meal will come from can weigh heavily on individuals and families. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Meals from the Heartland staff members wore green today to raise awareness and acknowledge that a nutritious meal provides more than nourishment - it offers comfort, hope, and stability. 💚

05/29/2026

Cedar Rapids!! We are heading back to the ImOn Ice - Cedar Rapids Arena to package 250,000 meals for hungry children and families in NE Iowa on June 9th and 10th. Join in on the impact by signing up to package at the links below:

Package with us on Tuesday, June 9th: https://tr.ee/CRHFJune9SignUp
Package with us on Wednesday, June 10th: tr.ee/CRHFJune10SignUp

05/28/2026

Today is World Hunger Day.

Around the world, millions of children and families still face hunger every single day. But we also know the power of people coming together to make a difference.

At Meals from the Heartland, volunteers package nutritious meals that reach neighbors in need in Iowa, across the U.S., and around the world. Every packaging shift helps bring hope to someone who needs it.

Thank you for continuing to support our mission to empower people to save starving children. 💙