Fill-The-Truck is the kick-off event for the hunger drive. The annual event will take place at this Friday’s football game versus Pleasant Valley. Bettendorf’s student council was able to beat Pleasant Valley last year due to plenty of advertisements and having home-field advantage; however, the game will be held at Pleasant Valley this year. 

This event has been critical for the hunger drives success , as last year the community was able to provide 700,000 meals. Sam Barnes, student body president, looks forward to being able to help out the community through the various events planned and the extra effort the student council has put in for this year. 

“Hunger drive is important because it has a genuine impact on our community and the communities around us by helping people in need. We can take pride in the fact that we are helping out so many people just as high school students are impressive,” said Barnes. 

Preparation for an event like the hunger drive involves calling businesses to gather donations and being in contact with the Riverbend Foodbank. Organizing all the donations that are collected can become intense for those involved. 

Dillan Tholin, hunger drive ambassador, immediately focused his attention on the hunger drive this school year since it allows him to educate people on the issue and provide people in need with quality meals. 

 Many people in Bettendorf and surrounding communities struggle with food insecurity but find it difficult to ask for help. Being able to get the word out on the issue can make a huge impact by helping out through donations or simply acknowledging and lending a helping hand to those in need. 

“One in seven kids don’t have a consistent food source and they are worried about where their food comes from. There are so many people here at our school that are affected and if we are all able to come together as a student body to be able to raise necessary funds and meals for our community members helps them so much in times of need,” said Tholin. 

 For those who aren’t able to participate in Fill-the-Truck, there are many events throughout the hunger drive where students can  help out and make a difference in the community. Upcoming events include capture the cans on Oct. 12 and the silent auction on Oct. 21. 

“Fill-the-Truck brings in a lot of morale with a lot of good, friendly competition between us and our community rival. The event brings us a lot of canned goods, boxed goods and donations that help us bring in food for people in our community that needs it,” said Emily Smith, junior student council member.