Over the past two days, the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) and Fareway Stores made a donation of $20,000 worth of ground pork to six regional food banks across Iowa and western Nebraska. The donations were made as part of an ongoing effort to fight food insecurity and totaled at more than 9,500 pounds of pork, which will provide over 38,000 servings of protein to people in need. The Food Bank of Iowa was one of the recipients and today received 4,370 pounds- or 5 pallets- of that ground pork. Food Bank of Iowa President and CEO Tami Nielsen said this donation couldn’t come at a better time, as many Iowans will no longer receive SNAP benefits once November comes around.
For every 1 meal that the Food Bank of Iowa provides, SNAP can provide 9. This creates a huge gap in supply that food banks across the country just won’t be able to fix by themselves. However, that doesn’t mean the Food Bank of Iowa and its partners won’t try.
Due to the heightened demand for food, Nielsen said this donation will make its way out of their doors very quickly.
Nielsen said they wouldn’t be able to fight food insecurity as effectively without the support of partners like the IPPA and Fareway.
Without SNAP, Nielsen said there will be many new faces at food banks across the state. While many people are hesitant to receive food donations, all are welcome at any local food bank or pantry.
For anyone who would like to make donations themselves, Nielsen said they can stretch your dollar much further than you would be able to alone.
For more information, visit foodbankiowa.org.
