William Penn University, Bank Iowa and United Way Partner to Support Oskaloosa Food Bank
11/06/2026
Bank Iowa is joining William Penn University and United Way of Mahaska County for a community-wide food drive throughout November, bringing together local organizations to address food insecurity and provide additional support to families throughout Mahaska County.
As part of the initiative, Bank Iowa’s Oskaloosa location will collect food donations specifically for United Way of Mahaska County’s Take-Along Program, which provides meals for children. The collection will focus on approved, child-friendly food items that can be included in the program’s meal packages.
In addition to serving as a collection site, Bank Iowa will sponsor the November 14 William Penn University Statesmen football game, further highlighting the partnership and encouraging community participation.
Community members who donate food at Bank Iowa or United Way of Mahaska County’s Oskaloosa locations may also request complimentary tickets to William Penn University’s regular-season home athletic events. A single donated food item qualifies for one complimentary ticket, while individuals contributing multiple items may request the number of tickets needed rather than receiving one ticket per item.
Because Bank Iowa’s donations will support the Take-Along Program, only the following approved items will be accepted at its collection location:
Most Needed Items:
- Fruit cups
- Squeeze veggie pouches
- Nature Valley Soft Baked Oatmeal Squares
- Chicken packets
- Nature Valley Biscuits with Almond Butter
- Chicken salad, single-size packets
- Chef Boyardee, single-size, any variety
- Carnation or similar breakfast essentials powder packets
Additional Accepted Items:
- Pudding cups
- Jello cups
- Soup, single size, any variety
- Nutrigrain bars
- Granola bars
- Instant flavored rice packages
- Instant potato pouches
- Complete pancake and waffle mix (just add water)
All canned items must have pop-top lids.
“We love being part of a community that takes care of one another. At Bank Iowa, we’re always looking for ways to give back, and supporting the Take Along Food Program through United Way is one small way we can help make a meaningful impact close to home,” said Cassie Veldhuizen, Regional Retail Banking Manager for Bank Iowa.
United Way of Mahaska County will also serve as a collection site throughout November, accepting donations to benefit the Oskaloosa Food Bank and Mahaska Area Food Cupboard. While all food donations are welcome at United Way, there is a particular need for soups, canned fruit, beans, flour, sugar, vegetable oil, and juice.
William Penn University will further support the initiative by accepting nonperishable food donations as admission to select home athletic events throughout November. Donations collected at these events will benefit the Oskaloosa Food Bank and Mahaska Area Food Cupboard. Fans attending the following contests are encouraged to bring a food donation:
- Saturday, November 14: Statesmen Football
- Saturday, November 14: Men’s and Women’s Basketball
- Tuesday, November 24: Men’s and Women’s Basketball
- Monday, November 30: Men’s and Women’s Basketball
United Way of Mahaska County will oversee the collection, packaging, and distribution of the donated food items, helping ensure contributions reach the appropriate programs and individuals and families in need throughout the community.
“One of the greatest strengths of the Oskaloosa community is the willingness of people and organizations to come together to support one another,” said Ken Oliver, Executive Vice President for Advancement at William Penn University. “We are grateful to partner with Bank Iowa and United Way in support of the Oskaloosa Food Bank. This effort is about more than collecting food; it is about recognizing the needs within our community, building meaningful partnerships, and demonstrating what can happen when we work together toward a common purpose. William Penn University is proud to be part of a community that cares deeply about its neighbors, and we encourage our students, alumni, fans, and community members to join us in making a difference.”
By bringing together the resources and networks of local businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations, the initiative demonstrates how community partnerships can address local needs while providing residents with meaningful opportunities to give back.
Community members are encouraged to participate throughout November by dropping off donations at Bank Iowa or United Way of Mahaska County’s Oskaloosa locations or bringing nonperishable food items to designated William Penn athletic events. Those donating at Bank Iowa or United Way may also request complimentary tickets to William Penn regular-season home athletic events.