This Saturday, April 6, the Truman Heartland Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is calling on the community to take action against hunger—one grocery bag at a time.

Now in its 11th year, Fill Those Trucks is a student-led food drive that mobilizes youth volunteers and generous shoppers across Eastern Jackson County to help stock the shelves of local food pantries. The goal? Fill as many trucks as possible with non-perishable food items that go directly to organizations serving families in need.

This year’s event will be held at four participating Hy-Vee locations from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 6:

Shoppers are encouraged to pick up a few extra items while grocery shopping and drop them off with student volunteers outside each store. Donations will directly benefit the following local food pantries:

Why It Matters

Hunger is a year-round issue that affects thousands of families right here in our community. While food drives often pick up around the holidays, local pantries experience consistent need throughout the year. Fill Those Trucks helps meet that ongoing demand—while empowering the next generation of philanthropic leaders to make a real difference.

The Youth Advisory Council, made up of over 70 students from 11 area high schools, is proud to lead this initiative as part of their commitment to civic service and community engagement. Last year’s event collected more than 13,000 items—and this year, they’re aiming even higher.

How You Can Help

✅ Stop by one of the four Hy-Vee locations on April 6 and donate non-perishable food items
 

✅ Share this event with friends, neighbors, and coworkers


✅ Follow along on social media and tag us with #FillThoseTrucks


✅ Can’t make it? Consider a financial gift to your local pantry or Truman Heartland’s Youth Advisory Council programs

 

Let’s rally together and show what community in action looks like. Help us fill those trucks—and fill hearts—this weekend.

 

👉 Learn more about the event and the YAC program at:
www.thcf.org/students/youth-advisory-council/food-drive
📅 Event Details: Fill Those Trucks Event Page