DES MOINES, Iowa—— Across Iowa’s 99 counties, 324 grants totaling $3,452,729 were awarded to Feeding America partner pantries and feeding sites to mitigate additional costs incurred by front-line food assistance providers who stepped up to respond to unusually high demand during the COVID-19 food insecurity crisis.

Grants were provided to Feeding America food bank partners and were possible due to CARES Act funding. The COVID Relief Partner Agency Grant was administered by the Iowa Food Bank Association, a coalition of six Feeding America food banks banding together to ensure no Iowan lacks proper nutrition.

In April, three partners received grants totaling $58,895.93 to help meet increased need due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants in Boone County went to Des Moines Area Community College-Boone, Salvation Army Boone Pantry and Futures Alternative HS-Toreador Food Pantry. The funds will help the local pantries purchase and distribute food to the community.