The latest Map the Meal Gap study from Feeding America shows the harrowing impact of food insecurity in Iowa and across the country. In this year’s study, data shows that 1 in 8 Iowans and 1 in 6 Iowa children face food insecurity. Additionally, the annual meal gap in Iowa is over 76 million meals. Additional money required to meet the state’s food needs would require nearly $269 million.
Unfortunately, the USDA is no longer collecting food insecurity data. However, Nielsen said Feeding America will continue to estimate local food insecurity and meal costs moving forward.
Nielsen said that budget constraints are the biggest factors limiting the Food Bank of Iowa currently.
Outside of making monetary and food donations, Nielsen said people can get involved in several ways.
Nielsen added that the upcoming Iowa State Fair provides some unique opportunities, like a canned food drive at the gates, for the Food Bank of Iowa as well.
For more information, visit foodbankiowa.org.
