The poverty rate in Iowa is 11 percent.  Iowans struggling to make ends meet are having difficulty putting nutritious food on the table.  In your community, there are hungry children.

Food Bank of Iowa provides weekend food which goes into the backpacks of 5,367 elementary school children every Friday during the school year.  In addition, we have provided refrigerators, freezers, and supply all the food for 100 school pantries – pantries in elementary, middle and high schools.  Food Bank of Iowa delivers all of this to schools without handling or delivery fees. 

We are currently seeking business and industry partners who are interested in sponsoring school pantry and BackPack programs in their community.  In addition to the satisfaction of doing a good thing for your neighbors, your company will contribute to a well-fed community, one which is better positioned to thrive – kids learn, outlooks improve, and crime diminishes.

Osmundson Manufacturing in Perry was one of the first to sponsor a Food Bank of Iowa community program. Their commitment will provide funding to support the BackPack program at Perry Elementary for three years.

“As a family owned company for five generations, we have aspired to support families in our community,” said Heather Bruce, president & CEO of Osmundson Manufacuring.  “One of the greatest feelings is knowing you can make a difference, and battling hunger is within our reach.  The youth in Perry are the future of our community, and we want to give them the tools necessary to develop skills for future growth.  We are proud to support the BackPack Program at Food Bank of Iowa to grow a stronger community for Perry.”

To learn more about sponsoring a local BackPack Program or school pantry, please visit https://www.foodbankiowa.org/partners/programs or contact Bergetta Beardsley at bbeardsley@foodbankiowa.org.