PLANO, Texas  – Iowa State, Bowling Green and Toledo are just three of Learfield Sports’ partner schools that aggressively helped drive monetary support for their respective area food banks this past fall, in addition to many year-round efforts. This week alone, more than $16,000 will be presented to the Iowa Food Bank Association and the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank from quarterback sacks made respectively by the Cyclones, Falcons and Rockets throughout the 2012 football season.

Learfield Sports, which manages the athletic multimedia rights for these universities, launched targeted campaigns with corporate partners to support the non-profit organizations in an effort to help curb hunger.  At IowaState, Learfield’s Cyclone Sports Properties’ partnership with HyVee and Farm Credit Services of America supported the “Sack Hunger” program, which earmarked funds to the food bank for each of the 15 quarterback sacks made during the season.  The check presentation to the Iowa Food Bank Association will be held during the Iowa State-Texas Tech men’s basketball game at Hilton Coliseum on Saturday, February 23.

Additionally, Learfield’s Bowling Green and University of Toledo properties worked closely with Kroger to promote its “Sacks for Cash” initiative all season long.  A collaborative check presentation to the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank was made yesterday in support of the sacks made by the Falcons and the Rockets; 37 and 24, respectively.  Bowling Green Head Coach Dave Clawson and Toledo Head Coach Matt Campbell, as well as many of their football players, were on hand for the check presentation yesterday.

“While our farmers and ranchers help feed the world, it is hard to imagine people in Iowa are hungry,” said Jim Knuth, Senior Vice President, Farm Credit Services of America. “This contribution will help the Iowa Food Bank Association provide needed food to more than 400,000 Iowans, 125,000 of them who are children.”

“We’re so proud of the Falcons and the Toledo Rockets this year. They worked hard this season on the field, and now that success is paying off in the community,” said Jackie Siekmann, spokesperson for Kroger’s Columbus Division. “I know the Toledo Northwestern Ohio food bank will take this donation and help those who need it most this winter.”

Learfield Sports manages rights for more than 50 collegiate institutions and associations.  MississippiState, Memphis, Iowa, Penn State, Oklahoma and OklahomaState represent additional Learfield partner schools leading creative initiatives to benefit their respective food banks.  To learn more about the company, its 40-year history and complete collegiate portfolio, visit www.learfieldsports.com.