For many Iowa State University students, access to enough nutritious food can be a daily challenge. Iowa Farm Bureau is helping ease that burden with a $30,000 donation to The S.H.O.P. (Students Helping Our Peers), the university’s student food pantry, to provide food and essential resources for Cyclones facing food insecurity.

According to Iowa State University Student Wellness, an estimated 31% of Iowa State students experience food insecurity. Between July of 2025 and June of 2026, students visited The S.H.O.P. more than 19,350 times, and the pantry distributed more than 227,000 pounds of food to students in need. 

"Students consistently tell us that access to The S.H.O.P. helps relieve the stress of meeting basic needs, allowing them to focus on their studies and success academically,” said Austin Cook, food security and basic needs specialist for Iowa State University. “Just as important, The S.H.O.P. helps foster a campus community where students feel supported, valued and cared for.” 

The contribution was generated through Iowa Farm Bureau's "Tackle Tracker" and "3s that Feed" initiatives, which turn Cyclone football tackles and men's basketball three-pointers into donations for the student food pantry. During home games in the 25-26 sports season, Cyclone football players recorded 720 tackles, and the men's basketball team made 276 three-pointers. Over the past five years, Iowa Farm Bureau has donated nearly $105,000 to The S.H.O.P. through the two initiatives. 

“As farmers, providing for the people in our state is at the heart of what we do,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “Supporting The S.H.O.P. is a meaningful way to help address hunger close to home and ensure Iowa State students have the resources they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.”

For more information about The S.H.O.P., visit their website and watch their YouTube video promoting Iowa Farm Bureau's donation.