Who We Help
What does food insecurity mean? For more than 300,000 Iowans, it means not having access to enough nutritious food to live active, healthy lives.
Food insecurity can be very different from person to person. It can happen to anyone at any time.
It can be a homeless woman who doesn’t know where she’ll get her next meal. A retired couple who relies on SNAP to supplement their food budget. Hardworking families who simply don’t earn enough to make ends meet. People living with disabilities. Or a veteran who has enough for breakfast or lunch but must attend congregate meals for dinner.
The impact of food insecurity is tremendous. It goes far beyond just being hungry.
For adults, it means a higher likelihood of health problems like obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. And struggling to perform at work. For children, it may mean setbacks in growth and development, and lifelong behavioral issues. No matter how severe, food insecurity is tough to live with.
Food Insecurity in Iowa
- 10% of Iowans remain food insecure.
- A third of those Iowans facing hunger are children.
- Food insecurity is a product of poverty. Low-income households are forced to spend a greater proportion of their limited incomes on food.
Give Help Now
Food Bank of Iowa partners with 700 agencies in 55 counties to distribute 1.5 million pounds of food each month. But we can do more with your help.
Food Bank of Iowa can source a meal for 40 cents. For the average price of a meal from the grocery store, Food Bank of Iowa can provide seven!
Just $10 will provide more than a week’s worth of food for an Iowan in need.