The Great Plains Food Bank is in a unique position to monitor both immediate needs and emerging trends taking place throughout the charitable feeding network.  In a recent study, food pantries, soup kitchens and shelter providers shared they were strained due to limited resources and increased demand for services - reporting a 19% jump in 2009 over 2008.  For many, finding volunteers and securing transportation to meet the GPFB truck at one of nine statewide distribution points to pick up their product orders was becoming a substantial burden on their operations - ultimately limiting their ability to meet the needs of those seeking their services.  So in response, the GPFB rolled out our direct delivery program which brings surplus food products directly to the doors of more than 150 emergency feeding partners each month.  We believe that by extending our distribution, and building the capacities at our partner sites, we are better positioned to meet the hunger needs of our neighbors.

Last month the employees of Ramada Plaza & Suites came together to celebrate their Be A Hero campaign in support of the Great Plains Food Bank.  A classic villains vs. superheroes rivalry was played out between two teams of employees as they raced to raise money and canned good donations.  The Ramada team collected 800 pounds of food and $1000, challenging other businesses to do the same.