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River Bend Food Bank Calls on Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois to “Play Your Part” During Hunger Action Month 

Posted August 31, 2026

River Bend Food Bank is joining food banks nationwide in observing Hunger Action Month in September. This annual awareness campaign, led by Feeding America and its network of food banks, takes place every September to raise awareness of food insecurity and inspire action to help end hunger in communities across the United States.

Orange is the official color of the movement, and throughout the month you’ll see local landmarks, businesses, and supporters “going orange” to raise visibility for the cause.

“As an organization, our goal is to provide assistance for our neighbors, but we also want to build community,” said Jana Fleming, Director of Community Engagement at River Bend Food Bank. “This Hunger Action Month, we are encouraging our communities to join us in our mission by playing their part in ending hunger.”

People can get involved locally by donating at riverbendfoodbank.org or through the actions below:

  • Visit River Bend’s website and sign up to volunteer at one of their mall pantries or in the warehouse.
  • Visit one of the eight Quad Cities-area coffee shops partnering with River Bend Food Bank and order a Hunger Action Month-themed specific drink.
    • Brews Energy (Rock Island, Illinois and Milan, Illinois) all month long.
    • Coffee Apothecary (Bettendorf, Iowa) during the weekend of September 18 – 20.
    • Dead Poet’s Espresso (Moline, Illinois) all month long.
    • Java Java (Davenport, Iowa) all month long.
    • Joh’s Café (Moline, Illinois) all month long.
    • QC Fuel (Bettendorf, Iowa) all month long.
    • Vibrant Coffee House and Kitchen (Bettendorf, Iowa and Moline, Illinois) all month long.
    • Wholly Grinds (Rock Island, Illinois) all month long.

In addition, the following communities are joining the movement:

  • The cities of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Moline, Illinois will light the I-74 Bridge in orange on Hunger Action Day, September 29.
  • The city of Muscatine, Iowa, will also light the Norbert F. Beckey Bridge orange on September 29.

“Food insecurity across our 23-county service area is at a five-year high, affecting nearly 140,000 people, including more than 43,000 children,” said Nikki Habben, Interim President and CEO of River Bend Food Bank. “This September, we’re asking our community to play their part, knowing that every dollar, every hour volunteered, and every voice raised will help us move closer to bridging that gap.”

Learn more about how you can “Play Your Part” at riverbendfoodbank.org/ham.

Media Contacts

Barry Shaw

bshaw@riverbendfoodbank.org

(563) 345-6490 ext. 2115

 

KD Williams

kwilliams@riverbendfoodbank.org

(563) 345-6490 ext. 2105