Fareway Ham Donation edited 010

DES MOINES, Iowa (Feb. 3, 2026) — Fareway Stores Inc. delivered 69,000 pounds of variety hams to Food Bank of Iowa today. Sixty percent of the 5,504 donated hams will be distributed through the 55 counties Food Bank of Iowa serves; the remaining 40% will be divided equally with Food Bank of Siouxland in Sioux City and River Bend Food Bank in Davenport. The retail value of this donation is $297,961.61.

The donation includes a selection of premium products — classic half-size, spiral cut and full-size carver hams enjoyed at family meals and holiday gatherings. This protein will help nourish families for weeks during the winter season.

“Fareway is deeply committed to supporting the health and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Jeff Cook, Fareway vice president of retail market operations. “We believe everyone deserves access to quality food, and we are proud to work alongside our food bank partners to ensure these nutritious products reach Iowans who need them most.”

Representing Fareway at the Feb. 3 announcement were Rick Beckwith, vice president of the central region; Elias Johnson, vice president of corporate outreach and communications; Steven Pederson, director of market category; John Turner, category market manager buyer and Kobe Gaines, outreach and communications specialist.

Fareway also extended appreciation to Food Bank of Iowa, which hosted the Feb. 3 event. The organization’s leadership, logistics expertise and statewide reach ensure these hams — and many other essential food items — make their way to the homes of families who rely on food assistance.

“We’re beyond grateful to Fareway for this extraordinary donation,” said Food Bank of Iowa CEO Tami Nielsen. “This generous and unexpected gift of high-quality, delicious protein will fill more than 276,000 plates for Iowans facing hunger. This is yet another example of Fareway’s commitment to hunger relief and its mission to Lead with Love. On behalf of more than 5,500 families who will receive these hams, thank you.”

Food Bank of Siouxland Executive Director Jacob Wanderscheid added, “This remarkable donation from Fareway ensures families throughout Siouxland will have access to nutritious, high-value protein during the coldest months of the year . . . We are proud to be part of this collaborative effort.”

Chris Ford, president and CEO of River Bend Food Bank, shared similar thoughts. “We appreciate Fareway’s longstanding support and their dedication to helping our neighbors in need,” Ford said.

Fareway believes food has the power to bring people together, strengthen families and build healthier communities. The company hopes this donation not only fills plates across Iowa, but also brings comfort, connection and dignity to the households it reaches.

Together, Fareway and its food bank partners remain dedicated to building a stronger, healthier Iowa.

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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 28 million pounds of food to its 700 partners annually. Learn more at foodbankiowa.org.

Media contacts:
Annette Hacker, chief communications and strategy officer, Food Bank of Iowa, 515-867-2885, ahacker@foodbankiowa.org

Elias Johnson, vice president of corporate outreach and communications, Fareway Stores Inc., 515-824-0312, ejohnson@farewaystores.com