Full Hearts, Full Bellies, Full River of Ducks

Food banks are lifelines for millions of families. But keeping the shelves stocked requires constant fundraising. If your food bank has been relying solely on food drives and grants, a duck race could dramatically expand your funding.

A regional food bank in the Southeast raised $56,000 at their duck race. At their cost of 23 cents per meal, that's over 243,000 meals. From one afternoon. With rubber ducks.

Why Food Banks and Duck Races Make Sense

• Hunger is a cause everyone understands — low barrier to participation

• Food banks serve broad communities, giving you an enormous potential audience

• The 'meals per duck' math creates powerful, specific marketing messages

• Corporate sponsors in the food industry are natural partners

The Hunger Connection

• 'Every $5 duck adoption provides 22 meals for a hungry neighbor'

• 'Our goal: 5,000 ducks = enough meals to feed our community for a month'

• 'Adopt a Quack Pack of 6 and feed a family of four for a week'

When people see their fun afternoon directly translated into meals, they don't just adopt one duck. They adopt five. Or ten.

Revenue and Reach

• Local food pantries: $15,000-$30,000

• Regional food banks: $30,000-$75,000

• Major metro food banks: $75,000-$200,000

A food bank in Ohio sold 7,000 ducks and secured $28,000 in sponsorships from grocery chains and restaurants. Total: $63,000.

Food Bank-Specific Strategies

• Partner with grocery stores to sell duck adoptions at checkout

• Create a food drive component at the event: bring a canned good, get a raffle entry

• Set up a 'Hunger Facts' walking trail along the race route

• Feature cooking demonstrations using food bank staples

• Engage corporate volunteer teams from food industry sponsors

Feeding the Future

Hunger isn't going away. But with strong, sustainable fundraising, your food bank can meet the need year after year. A duck race creates a predictable, growing revenue stream while keeping hunger top-of-mind.

You feed people. Let rubber ducks feed your budget. Derby Duck Races is honored to support food banks with events that nourish communities. Let's plan your race — because no one should go hungry, especially when there's this much fun to be had!