Iowa Invests $200M Expanding Farms-To-Food-Banks Program

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has invested $200,000 into the Choose Iowa Farms to Food Banks program for its second year, aiming to combat food insecurity while supporting local farmers. This initiative connects six food banks across the state, including the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) and Northeast Iowa Food Bank, with nearly 300 registered local farms and vendors to purchase dairy, meat, poultry, eggs, honey, grains, and produce. The program operates on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis, doubling the impact of state funds and enabling food banks to buy nearly $481,000 worth of local food in its first year. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig emphasized that the program not only provides fresh, nutritious food to families in need but also opens new markets for small businesses and farmers, benefiting communities across 55 counties. Food bank officials like Kim Guardado of HACAP highlighted the program’s role in expanding the variety of foods available to those facing food insecurity in Eastern Iowa. Despite the program’s success, advocates have called for increased legislative funding, especially after the cancellation of a similar federal program earlier this year.