JOHNSTON, IOWA—Fareway Stores, Inc., the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and Food Bank of Iowa are continuing their commitment to helping feed Iowa families through the annual “Meat the Need” program. On Friday, Nov. 6, the organizations will donate nearly 24,000 pounds of high-quality protein to Food Bank of Iowa, including 10,000 pounds of ground pork and 13,440 pounds of ground turkey, helping ensure Iowans have access to nutritious meals during a critical time of year. The value of the donation is $50,000 split
between Fareway and Farm Bureau.
This year marks the fifth consecutive year of the partnership, which brings together Iowa farmers, Fareway customers and employees, and hunger-relief advocates to address food insecurity across the state. The protein donation will be distributed through Food Bank of Iowa’s network of partner food pantries, meal programs and agencies serving communities throughout Iowa.
“Providing families with access to quality protein is one of the most impactful ways we can support our neighbors facing hunger,” said Jeff Cook, Vice President of Market Operations for Fareway Stores, Inc. “Fareway is proud to continue our partnership with Iowa Farm Bureau and Food Bank of Iowa through the Meat the Need program. Together, we are helping deliver nutritious meals to Iowans while supporting the farmers and communities at the heart of our state.”
“Iowa farmers are committed to growing and raising the food that our communities depend on, and we’re proud to help support our neighbors across Iowa during a time of need,” Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson said. “Food insecurity is a challenge facing many families, and Iowa Farm Bureau is proud to continue our partnership with Fareway to provide fresh, high-quality protein to those who need support.”
“For the fifth year, Fareway and the Iowa Farm Bureau have generously supported our ‘Meat’ the Need campaign with a donation of fresh, high-quality protein,” said Food Bank of Iowa President and CEO Tami Nielsen. “This dedicated partnership means the world to us and our neighbors facing hunger. Nearly 100,000 Iowans will soon sit down to a nutritious meal including ground pork or ground turkey – both of which are so versatile – thanks to this meaningful donation.”
Protein remains one of the most requested and cost-prohibitive items for food banks to secure. Through the Meat the Need program, Fareway, Iowa Farm Bureau and Food Bank of Iowa continue to work together to provide nutritious, protein-rich food to individuals and families across the state when it is needed most.
About Fareway Stores, Inc.
Fareway Stores, Inc. is a growing Midwest grocery company currently operating 144 stores in a seven-state region. Fareway’s mission is to be the best in meat and grocery while serving with gratitude. Its stores are known for their unmatched, full-service meat departments, farm-fresh produce, and exceptional to-your-car customer service. Fareway is a family-owned business, recognized as a Top Ten employer in Iowa, and has more than 13,000 total employees. Learn more at www.fareway.com
About Iowa Farm Bureau Federation
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is the largest statewide, grassroots farm organization in Iowa, celebrating more than 100 years of creating a vibrant future for agriculture, farm families and their communities. For more information, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com.
About Food Bank of Iowa
Established in 1982, Food Bank of Iowa provides nutritious food for Iowa children, families, seniors and veterans to lead full and active lives, strengthening their communities. Serving 55 of Iowa’s 99 counties, Food Bank of Iowa delivers more than 28 million pounds of food (23.3 million meals) to its 700 partners annually. Learn more at www.foodbankiowa.org.
About the Author
