Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) hit it out of the park during Food Bank for the Heartland’s Strike Out Hunger campaign, where employees donated 5,603 meals to help tackle food insecurity in Nebraska and western Iowa.
Every June, Food Bank for the Heartland brings local businesses together in friendly competition to see which company can raise the most meals for the food bank’s 93-county service area.
Companies are sorted into divisions based on their size. This year, BCBSNE took third place in the Wild Cards division, which is for companies with over 1,000 employees.
By donating food, funds and volunteer hours at the food bank, employees came together to make a difference in the community.
“It is always a rewarding time to give back to our community in a way that goes beyond traditional healthcare,” said Cayla Kelly, provider executive support specialist at BCBSNE and leader of the company’s 2026 campaign participation. “It truly reflects our values as an organization, showing that we are committed to investing time and resources into causes that matter.”
In total, the Strike Out Hunger campaign generated 237,511 meals for residents across local communities.
Nebraska and western Iowa are experiencing elevated levels of food insecurity in 2026, with 259,060 individuals, including 87,860 children, currently facing hunger.
Through collaboration with volunteers, programs and local businesses like BCBSNE, Food Bank for the Heartland is working to provide nutritious meals for those in need.
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