Food Bank of Iowa

📢 Food Insecurity in Iowa is Rising 📢

According to Feeding America's latest Map the Meal Gap study, nearly 11% of Iowans and 15.4% of Iowa children face food insecurity. That's over 344,550 people, including 110,500 children, who don't know where their next meal will come from.

Join us in our fight against hunger. Learn more about how you can help at https://foodbankiowa.org/give/

We were delighted to host a few of our monthly donors tonight -- Meal Makers! -- whose consistent support ensures our neighbors facing hunger have food on the table all year long. We thank these donors for their commitment and so appreciate the gift of their time. Everyone enjoyed ice cream (there may have been seconds) . . . we talked advocacy . . . and we had tours. A great time was had by all! And that's the scoop!🍦

Fueling the fight against hunger! 💪🍽️
A big shoutout to our friends at Casey's! Last week, 30 dedicated employees volunteered their time not once, not twice, but three times to support our mission. Their commitment to helping fellow Iowans is truly inspiring.
Together, we're making a difference, one helping hand at a time. Thank you, Casey's team, for being hunger heroes!

It's and here are this week's mobile food distributions. You can see our mobile pantry schedule several months in advance anytime at https://foodbankiowa.org/find-food/mobile-pantry-program/

We're overjoyed to announce that Food Bank of Iowa has received a $10,000 grant from the Maximus Foundation. This generous support will help us continue our mission of providing fresh, nutritious food to communities across Iowa. Thank you, Maximus Foundation, for your commitment to fighting hunger!

A big shoutout to our friends at John Deere! Their employees stepped up not once, but twice this week to lend a helping hand at Food Bank of Iowa. These dedicated volunteers packed potatoes and frozen breakfast bowls, making a real difference in our community. Your support means more Iowans will have nutritious meals on their tables. Thank you, John Deere team, for your commitment to fighting hunger!

We're grateful to Land O'Lakes, Inc. for their generous donation of butter and cheese to support our disaster relief efforts! 🧀🧈
As Iowa communities recover from recent storms, this donation will help us provide essential dairy products to those in need. Land O'Lakes' ongoing "first run" program continues to make a real difference in fighting hunger across our state.
Thank you, Land O'Lakes, for being a valued partner in nourishing Iowans during challenging times.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! The Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry is dedicated to serving all who come to the pantry with love and respect. We are able to do this thanks to our compassionate and hardworking volunteers who help fuel our mission. Help those in need this summer at the Catholic Charities’ Food Pantry!

Current open volunteer opportunities:
- Three people are needed tomorrow, Thursday, July 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- One person is needed tomorrow, Thursday, July 18, 12 – 3:30 p.m.
- One person is needed on Wednesday, July 24 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Three people are needed on Wednesday, July 24, 12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Help with food rescue pick-ups on Wednesday, July 24 starting around 9 a.m., must have a car.

We need your help to feed the hungry!

To volunteer or to get more information, contact Catholic Charities Community Relations Manager, Emily Klisares at 515-237-5078 or [email protected]. To view more volunteer opportunities visit catholiccharitiesdm.org/contribute/volunteer.

Diocese of Des Moines Food Bank of Iowa Des Moines Area Religious Council

We're thrilled to share that 12,537 pounds of food were rescued following the Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend at Iowa Speedway!
Three of our partner agencies from Jasper County collected food directly from the raceway, while Central Iowa Shelter & Services received the remaining prepared meals. This incredible haul included barbecued pork, burgers, chicken, pasta salad, dips, chips, condiments and desserts.
A huge thank you to Hy-Vee for making this possible! Your support helps us fuel our mission to fight hunger across Iowa. 🏎️

We're delighted to reveal that Bayer Fund has awarded us a generous $5,000 grant. This support will allow us to further our mission of providing fresh, nutritious food to communities across Iowa. At the Food Bank of Iowa, we believe that access to healthy meals is a fundamental right for all. With partners like Bayer Fund, we can continue to strengthen our efforts and ensure that no Iowan goes hungry.

🥁 STOMPING out hunger, both on stage and online! 🥁

A massive round of applause for our friends at Des Moines Performing Arts and the incredible cast and crew of Stomp!

Your "Stomp Out Hunger" weekend hit all the right notes! Thanks to generous show-goers and online supporters, we raised nearly $3,800 to fight hunger in Iowa! 🎉

We not only filled plates but also spread the word about our mission, amplifying awareness of food insecurity.

Together, we're orchestrating real change in our community. Let's keep this rhythm going!

"Cheers to volunteering! 🍻 Join us for a Happy Hour volunteer shift on Thursday, Aug. 29 at 1:30 p.m. in Des Moines. After we finish, enjoy a free adult beverage and snacks, thanks to Doll Distributing - Des Moines! Must be 21+ to volunteer for this shift.

Sign up now and let's make a difference together: https://foodbankiowa.volunteerhub.com/vv2/event/e064bb23-12ec-46f8-b651-692528b5541d

🗳️ Calling all Food Bank of Iowa supporters! 🙌 We're thrilled to be nominated for the Charity Navigator Community Choice Awards, and we need your votes to secure this honor. Vote now: https://charitynavigator.typeform.com/to/kS6452iY =Food%20Bank%20of%20Iowa

Every vote counts, and your support can help us continue our mission of fighting hunger in Iowa. Let's rally together and show everyone the power of our community. Click the link to vote and spread the word by sharing this post. Together, we can create positive change!

Cyclone spirit strikes again! Six Iowa State Football players returned to Food Bank of Iowa today, tackling assorted frozen food packing. It's their second time volunteering this summer!

These student-athletes continue to show that their teamwork extends beyond the field. From mac & cheese to frozen goods, they're consistently stepping up to fight hunger in our community.

Thank you, Cyclones, for your ongoing commitment to making a difference. Your dedication inspires us all!

Egg-cellent news! 🥚 Thanks to the incredible generosity of HATCH for Hunger, Rose Acre Farms, and Iowa Egg Council, yesterday we received one full truckload of 237,600 eggs! That's nearly 20,000 dozen nutrient-dense protein servings to help our fellow Iowans facing food insecurity. This donation isn't just food—it's hope, health and a helping hand for Iowans in need. Every egg represents a step toward a more food-secure community.

https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/iowa-residents-hit-by-floods-can-access-emergency-food-aid-in-five-counties

Iowa residents hit by floods can access emergency food aid in five counties Iowans in five counties facing extreme rainfall and flooding may be eligible for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).Those counties

Leave a lasting legacy in the fight against hunger through a bequest. Email [email protected] to discuss including Food Bank of Iowa in your will or estate plans. Visit https://giftlegacy.foodbankiowa.org/?pageID=166 for more on this impactful planned giving option.

🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July from Food Bank of Iowa! 🇺🇸

As we gather with loved ones to celebrate , let's remember our community members who still face the challenge of hunger. This holiday, we invite you to join our mission to ensure Iowa's children, families, seniors and veterans have the food they need.

Our offices will be closed July 4-5 as we observe the holiday. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our cause. Together, we can make a difference!

🌟 Learn more and get involved at www.foodbankiowa.org 🌟

Maximize your charitable impact through a Donor-Advised Fund! Email [email protected] to explore this tax-smart way of supporting Food Bank of Iowa's mission to fight hunger. Find more planned giving info at https://giftlegacy.foodbankiowa.org/?pageID=137

Looking to make a tax-smart gift from your IRA to fight hunger? Ask your IRA administrator for help setting up an IRA qualified charitable distribution. Email [email protected] or check out https://giftlegacy.foodbankiowa.org/?pageID=158 to learn how an IRA gift can support Food Bank of Iowa's mission while providing you tax benefits.

Interested in setting up a planned gift like a gift of stock to fight hunger? Email [email protected] or visit https://giftlegacy.foodbankiowa.org/?pageID=9 to learn more about maximizing your impact through planned giving.

Iowans affected by the April and May storms may qualify for food assistance through D-SNAP. This does not apply to those affected by the recent flooding in northwest Iowa.

Iowans in specific ZIP codes impacted by the tornadoes and storms that moved through Iowa on April 26-27 and May 20-21 may qualify for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).

Affected ZIP codes, eligibility guidelines and how to apply are located on the Iowa HHS website. Visit https://hhs.iowa.gov/dsnap for all D-SNAP information.

*At this time, D-SNAP applications are only available to Iowans affected by the April and May storms. This does not apply to people affected by the recent flooding in northwest Iowa.

Fight hunger for the long haul! There are many ways to make an impactful gift to Food Bank of Iowa that will provide nutritious meals for years to come. Some options include gifts of stock, IRA gifts, donor-advised funds and bequests. Your legacy gift ensures we can keep serving community members facing food insecurity. Send us an email at [email protected] today to learn more about these gift-planning tools and how you can make a lasting difference in the fight against hunger in Iowa.

https://giftlegacy.foodbankiowa.org/

Honoring our hunger-fighting heroes! 🌟 Congratulations to Teresa David, Veronica Stober, Ed Van Hemert, Rose James, Judy Vonnahme, and Jeannie Saner on receiving the Individual Governor's Volunteer Award! Your exceptional service to Food Bank of Iowa exemplifies the power of dedication in our mission to end hunger. Thank you to all who came to celebrate these outstanding individuals. Together, we're making a difference in Iowa communities.

At this time, two of our partners in Spencer -- Grand Ave. Community Outreach and Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. - Clay County are closed due to flooding. For neighbors who need help with food in these areas, please note:

* Zion Lutheran Church pantry in Ruthven is open Wednesday (6/26) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and again on July 2 from noon to 5 p.m.
* Our mobile distribution in Storm Lake is from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday (6/26) at 620 Michigan St.
* Our mobile distribution in Estherville is Thursday (6/27) from 4-6 p.m. at Good News Community Church, 2014 Central Ave.
* Our mobile distribution in Lake Park is Thursday (6/27) from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1220 S. Market St.

Find food resources nearest you at https://foodbankiowa.org/find-food/

If you're looking for other ways to help Iowa flooding victims, the The Des Moines Register has helpful tips here: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2024/06/24/iowa-flooding-how-to-donate-help-victims-correctionville-rock-valley-spencer-red-cross/74191069007/

How to help Iowa flooding victims: Here are the supplies they need After days of heavy rain, dozens of Iowa communities are dealing with devastating flooding. Here's the help available and how you can donate.

11% of Iowans live in poverty. 1 in 6 Iowa kids don't know where their next meal is coming from. But there's hope. Watch our new YouTube video to see how we're feeding 300,000+ Iowans monthly and how you can help for less than $2 a day. Your support changes lives.

https://youtu.be/2PZDI7b0QR8

Iowans Helping Iowans: No One Should Go Hungry