Lundgren Motors launches 'Fill a Ford' Food Drive, collecting for Quad Cities Food Shelf

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 10:56 GMT by WDIO

Lundgren Motors Kicks Off “Fill a Ford” Food Drive in Support of the Quad Cities Food Shelf

When a local business steps up to tackle a community crisis, the ripple effects are felt far beyond the immediate beneficiaries. That’s exactly what happened when Lundgren Motors—a mainstay of the Quad Cities automotive scene—announced the launch of its new “Fill a Ford” food‑drive campaign. The initiative, which has already begun collecting non‑perishable food items for the Quad Cities Food Shelf, showcases how a partnership between a for‑profit enterprise and a non‑profit organization can create tangible, life‑saving impact.

A Snapshot of Lundgren Motors

Founded in 1959 and now in its fifth generation of family ownership, Lundgren Motors has long been more than just a dealership. The company offers a full range of automotive services—new and used car sales, service, parts, financing, and more—at its flagship location in East Moline, Illinois. With a reputation for customer‑centric service and community involvement, Lundgren Motors has also been recognized for its philanthropic commitments. The “Fill a Ford” program builds on a legacy of giving that dates back to the company’s early days, when the dealership would host “car‑pool” events to bring fresh produce to local food banks.

The Birth of “Fill a Ford”

The “Fill a Ford” food drive began after a conversation between Lundgren Motors’ owner, Matt Lundgren, and a representative from the Quad Cities Food Shelf. According to a statement released by the dealership, the idea emerged from a shared recognition that food insecurity remains a pervasive issue in the Quad Cities region—especially in the aftermath of the pandemic, which exacerbated supply‑chain disruptions and increased demand for emergency food assistance.

“Our community has always trusted us to keep their cars running, but we’re equally committed to ensuring that people have access to nutritious food,” Matt Lundgren said in an interview on the dealership’s website. “The ‘Fill a Ford’ drive is our way of saying that we’re here for them in every possible way.”

The campaign’s name is a playful nod to the dealership’s Ford showroom. Instead of filling a vehicle’s gas tank, the initiative encourages drivers to fill a Ford truck with bags of canned goods, which will then be transferred to the Food Shelf. The concept is simple: bring your non‑perishables, get a free 30‑minute oil change or quick service appointment, and help a family in need.

How It Works

1. Drop‑off Locations
   - Lundgren Motors, 1500 W. State St., East Moline, IL
   - Quad Cities Food Shelf, 4001 W. 6th St., Davenport, IA

   Donations are accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All bags and boxes must be sealed and labeled with “Quad Cities Food Shelf” on the outside.

2. Service Incentive
   For every bag or box of food donated, the donor receives a voucher for a complimentary 30‑minute maintenance service on their Ford vehicle—such as an oil change, tire rotation, or battery check. This incentive not only encourages participation but also fosters a deeper relationship between the dealership and its clientele.

3. Collection & Redistribution
   Food Shelf volunteers will transport the donated items to the Food Shelf’s warehouse, where they will be sorted and redistributed to partner food‑bank locations and shelters across the Quad Cities and surrounding counties. According to the Food Shelf’s own mission page, the organization serves over 70,000 residents annually, providing more than 12 million meals.

4. Transparency & Tracking
   Both Lundgren Motors and the Food Shelf have pledged to provide weekly updates on the number of items collected, the number of people served, and any notable impacts. Matt Lundgren highlighted the importance of transparency: “We want our customers to see the difference their generosity makes.”

Why It Matters

Food insecurity isn’t just about hunger; it’s a complex issue that intertwines with health, education, and economic stability. In 2023, the Quad Cities Food Shelf reported that nearly 30 % of families they served were “moderately or severely food insecure,” meaning they struggled to access enough nutritious food. That same year, a local survey found that 1 in 8 residents had missed at least one meal due to financial constraints.

By channeling excess food into the Food Shelf’s network, Lundgren Motors is helping to fill a critical gap. In the past decade, the Food Shelf has processed over 40 million pounds of food, distributing it to more than 350 community partners. The “Fill a Ford” program aims to add at least 10,000 pounds of canned goods to the Shelf’s annual inventory—enough to feed more than 3,000 people over a three‑month period.

Voices from the Front Lines

Quad Cities Food Shelf Executive Director, Dr. Elena Martinez
“The partnership with Lundgren Motors is a game changer,” Dr. Martinez said. “We’re thrilled to receive an influx of non‑perishables, and the added incentive of a free service encourages people who might otherwise not donate. Every bag of food is a tangible step toward reducing hunger in our community.”

Local Customer, Samantha Lee
“I brought in a bag of canned tomatoes and got a free oil change on my Ford F‑150,” Samantha Lee recounted. “It felt great to know my spare change and a small gesture could help someone else get a hot meal.”

How to Get Involved

The “Fill a Ford” drive is open to all residents of the Quad Cities and beyond. There’s no fee for participation—just a few minutes to drop off your donated goods and a quick service appointment for your vehicle. For those unable to visit in person, the Food Shelf offers a “drop‑off by mail” option: donors can pack their goods and mail them to the Food Shelf’s secure distribution center. The Food Shelf’s online portal also provides a list of pickup locations and a calendar of upcoming food‑drive events.

Looking Ahead

Matt Lundgren and his team are already planning for the next phase of the initiative. “We’re looking into expanding the service incentive to include full car checkups and even a community “car‑care” workshop that teaches basic maintenance skills,” he explained. “The goal is to create a holistic support system that empowers residents to keep their vehicles running while ensuring they also have access to nutritious food.”

With the “Fill a Ford” campaign underway, Lundgren Motors exemplifies how businesses can leverage their resources for community benefit. Whether it’s a free oil change or a can of soup, the impact is far greater than the sum of its parts. In a region where food insecurity remains a pressing challenge, the partnership between Lundgren Motors and the Quad Cities Food Shelf offers a model of collaboration that could inspire other local enterprises to step forward.

As the drive progresses, the dealership plans to share milestones—such as the total pounds collected, the number of families served, and the cumulative cost savings for the Food Shelf—to demonstrate the measurable difference the initiative is making. For residents who want to learn more or contribute, both Lundgren Motors’ and the Food Shelf’s websites provide contact information, donation guidelines, and volunteer opportunities.

In a world where the economy can feel relentless, it’s heartening to see an organization like Lundgren Motors remind us that a community’s greatest strength lies in its shared care and compassion. Through “Fill a Ford,” the Quad Cities are one step closer to ensuring that every family has a full belly and a reliable ride—proof that even a small, thoughtful gesture can spark substantial, lasting change.