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Tri-City Food Fight returns Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 to support local food pantries
The Tri-City Food Fight is returning Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 for its 18th annual competition, bringing together three central Nebraska cultural institutions to support local food pantries. The annual food drive invites community members in Hastings, Kearney, and Grand Island to join the effort by donating nonperishable food items and helping their hometown take the lead.
Each year, the Hastings Museum, Stuhr Museum in Grand Island, and Kearney Archway compete to collect the most food donations for their respective local food pantries. While the competition adds a little friendly rivalry between the three communities, the shared goal remains the same: helping provide food for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
Since its launch in 2008, the Tri-City Food Fight has become a longstanding community tradition, bringing people together through the spirit of giving. Over the years, the participating institutions and their communities have contributed thousands of pounds of food and financial donations to support local pantries.
Throughout the competition, community members are encouraged to drop off nonperishable food donations at any of the participating institutions. Each organization collects donations for a local partner serving its community. The Hastings Museum collects donations for the Hastings Food Pantry, Kearney Archway collects for the Kearney Jubilee Center and Little Free Pantries, and Stuhr Museum supports the Salvation Army Food Pantry in Grand Island. Donations supporting Kearney's effort can also be dropped off at the Kearney Public Library.
In 2025, the Tri-City Food Fight collected more than 2,300 pounds of food across the three communities. The results demonstrate the impact communities can make when residents come together to support a common cause.
Community members can participate by dropping off nonperishable food donations at the following locations:
Hastings Museum
• Benefiting the Hastings Food Pantry
• Tuesday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday: 1–6 p.m.
• Guests receive $1 off admission when they bring a food donation.
Kearney Archway
• Benefiting the Kearney Jubilee Center and Little Free Pantries
• Monday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday: noon–5 p.m.
• Donations can also be dropped off at the Kearney Public Library.
Stuhr Museum
• Benefiting the Salvation Army Food Pantry
• Tuesday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Every donation helps make a difference, and community members are encouraged to participate throughout the two-month competition.
The Tri-City Food Fight demonstrates how friendly competition can bring people together for a meaningful cause.
By combining the reach of three regional institutions with the generosity of their communities, the annual food drive helps local food pantries continue their important work throughout the holiday season and beyond.
For media interviews or questions about the Tri-City Food Fight, please contact:
Mikayla Wright
Marketing & PR Director, Hastings Museum
mwright@cityofhastings.org
402-461-2399
Haley Smith
Event & Marketing Coordinator, Kearney Archway
hsmith@archway.org
308-206-0808
Karen Hurst
Director of Marketing & Communications, Stuhr Museum
khurst@stuhrmuseum.org
308-385-5316
Published Date: 10/20/2026