Food Bank of Iowa is proud to once again partner with the Iowa State Fair and Nationwide for “Food Bank of Iowa Chopped – Hot Dish Edition.” It’s the second big year for this casserole competition, which challenges entrants to create simple, affordable, delicious recipes using ingredients easily obtainable by food pantry guests.

Entries will be judged on flavor, ease of preparation and appearance. Entrees must cost $4 or less per serving to produce, be made in 60 or fewer minutes, and include at least one ingredient from each of six categories: starch, sauce, protein, vegetable, topping and seasoning.

The competition will be judged on the last Sunday of the fair, Aug. 21, at 1 p.m. The first-place winner will receive $1,000; second place will receive $500 and third place, $250. These are the largest prizes being awarded across all Iowa State Fair food entries, so start planning to put your culinary talents to work now!

Entry deadlines, procedures and rules are available on the Iowa State Fair’s website. You may register for food entry tags between now and July 1; late entries are accepted until July 8.

Need inspiration? Check out last year’s winning recipes.

Media Contact

Annette Hacker, Food Bank of Iowa, 515-867-2885, ahacker@foodbankiowa.org

About Food Bank of Iowa

Food Bank of Iowa provides food for Iowa children, families, seniors and veterans to lead full and active lives, strengthening the communities where they live. Serving 55 of Iowa’s 99 counties, Food Bank of Iowa delivered more than 17 million pounds of food to its 700 partners in 2021. This year marks Food Bank of Iowa’s 40th year of providing food and hope for our neighbors in need. To give help, or get help, visit foodbankiowa.org.

Photo credit: Marji Guyler-Alaniz, FarmHer

Winning recipe photo 2021 v. 2