Annual ANF Food Bank Drive set for Saturday

April 25, 2013

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IOWA CITY, Iowa — Fans of the University of Iowa’s football team planning on attending the 2013 Iowa Football Spring Practice presented by Coca-Cola Saturday, April 27, are invited to join forces with the UI Athletics Department, the Iowa Farm Bureau, and the Johnson County Crisis Center on the second annual ANF Food Bank Drive at historic Kinnick Stadium.

Fans of the Hawkeyes are invited to bring non-perishable food items with them to the annual open practice of the Iowa Hawkeyes. The first 5,000 fans who make a donation will receive a souvenir ANF “Farm Strong” poster featuring Casey Wiegmann, who last fall was the first Hawkeye to be named to the ANF Wall of Honor inside ANF Plaza at Kinnnick.

Also, five lucky fans who make donations will also win a pair of tickets to the Hawkeyes’ home game Oct. 26 against Northwestern when the UI teams with the Iowa Farm Bureau to stage the third annual ANF Day at Kinnick event. Fans interested in registering to win the game tickets simply need to bring with them to the donated food collection location at Kinnick a postcard that provides their name, telephone number and/or their email address.

“Iowa farmers take great pride in leading the nation in growing a variety of commodities that bring a variety of food choices for all Americans,” said Craig Hill, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.

“And yet we’re seeing an increase in the number of Iowa families visiting food banks. That’s why IFBF is proud to support the America Needs Farmers Food Bank drive at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. We hope Hawkeye fans and all Iowans show that they believe in taking care of their neighbors and friends in need.”

Food items will be collected by The Crisis Center of Johnson County which distributes more than 75,000 pounds of food monthly.

“The University of Iowa Department of Athletics has been an excellent partner for The Crisis Center of Johnson County for many years,” said Sarah Benson Witry, Food Bank & Emergency Assistance Director. “The food drive in conjunction with the Hawkeye football spring practice has become a tradition, and that is part of the reason for its annual success.”

Donations will be accepted beginning at 11 a.m. on April 27 inside the Krause Family Plaza located at the south end of historic Kinnick Stadium. Volunteers will accept donations until 2 p.m.

The west grandstand and south grandstand of Kinnick will be open Saturday for spectators. Gates A, G and F will open at 1 p.m. There is no admissions charge.

Herky’s Locker Room – the official team store of the Iowa Hawkeyes – will stage its annual clearance sale on the southeast concourse of Kinnick from 8 a.m. until the conclusion of the football team’s practice. Fans should enter Gate M for access to the clearance sale. The event will move into the east concourse in the event of rain.

Parking will be available in all University parking lots adjacent to Kinnick Stadium. Fans with recreational vehicle will be able to park Friday after 7 p.m. in UI Lot 75 south of Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Please note: Normal daily parking rates will be in effect in the parking ramps adjacent to UI Hospitals and Clinics.

Fans are reminded that Iowa City ordinance prohibit the consumption of any alcoholic beverage on UI and public property which includes UI parking lots and parking ramps. As in the past, this ordinance is in effect on the day of the annual open-to-the-public spring football practice.

Due to heightened safety and securing concerns, fans are discouraged from bring purses and bags to Kinnick on Saturday. Purses and bags will be subject to search or may be denied entry. Fans should expect delays if they are attempting to carry purses or bags in the stadium on Saturday.