Gift provides half a million meals for Iowans struggling with hunger

Inflation and surging food prices have amplified the needs of many Iowans struggling with food security, with requests for food assistance now nearly five times greater than an average year.  To assist the growing number of Iowa families facing food insecurity during the holiday season, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) today announced a $100,000 donation to the Iowa Food Bank Association (IFBA), which will provide half a million meals to impacted Iowans across the state.  According to IFBA, the spike in food prices this year has resulted in an unprecedented demand, with many Iowans reaching out for the first time.

“This rise for assistance has significantly strained our resources - both in terms of donations and volunteers - and the demand for food continues to rise in every corner of the state,” said Linda Gorkow, executive director, Iowa Food Bank Association. “The IFBA member food banks provide more than 45 million meals to Iowans annually, and they are in great need of support in the form of food or funds to provide the much-needed food to nourish Iowans.  This generous gift from the Iowa Farm Bureau comes at a crucial time and will make a tremendous impact helping us meet the increase in demand for food assistance.”

According to the IFBA, for every dollar received, they can distribute five meals to Iowans in need.  IFBF’s donation will provide a minimum of 500,000 meals for Iowa families struggling through this challenging time.   

“We recognize this is an especially difficult time for so many Iowans, and Iowa farmers have always rallied together to help their neighbors and communities during times of need,” said IFBF President Brent Johnson. “We are currently in one of those times of need with many Iowans struggling with food insecurity heading into the holidays, and we are happy to do what we can to help our communities during this crisis.” 

In addition to the need for monetary and food donations, IFBA is facing several other challenges, including a significant decline in volunteers to stock shelves, prepare food and package meals. The donation of food is the first step in providing assistance, but IFBA says volunteers are essential to complete the distribution of food to Iowans in need, and a standing need for volunteers remains.  

“We are grateful for our partners and supporters like Iowa Farm Bureau, which are essential in our fight against hunger and food insecurity in the state,” Gorkow said.  “IFBA and its members rely on funding through private and public donations and are completely reliant upon the generosity of Iowans to provide meals to all areas of the state throughout its six regional food banks. We encourage anyone who is able to join our cause and help support our neighbors in need.”  

For more information about how you can volunteer or donate to the food banks, please visit https://www.iowafba.org/.