The Food Bank for the Heartland is passionate about their mission to eliminate hunger in Nebraska and western Iowa. Then need is greater than most of us know -- seniors having to chose between paying utilities or buying groceries, kids without enough food at home on the weekends, working parents struggling to make ends meet and feed a hungry family. Approximately 21,900 people receive emergency food assistance every week in the Food Bank's service area. As a board member, I have been deeply moved by stories of the lives touched by a helping hand from the Food Bank. In addition to their own programs, the Food Bank distributed over nine million pounds of food to local non-profit agencies, who then provide it directly to those in need. The Food Bank staff is committed to making every donation count -- three meals can be distributed for every $1 donated. I am so proud to be associated with this organization and the life-changing assistance they provide.