Food Bank of Iowa will continue normal operations ensuring safe access to nutrition and resources for Iowa’s most vulnerable
Food Bank of Iowa announced today that operations are continuing uninterrupted as need grows amid concerns surrounding COVID-19.
In coordination with Feeding America, Food Bank of Iowa is actively monitoring developments related to COVID-19. The organization is taking proactive measures to protect the health and wellbeing of staff, volunteers, and partner agencies as efforts are ramped up to serve a rapidly growing need.
“There is a lot I do not know about COVID-19, but I do know one thing for certain,” said Michelle Book, president and CEO at Food Bank of Iowa. “This pandemic is creating a huge demand for additional food assistance. The need is growing exponentially as schools close and low wage workers lose precious hours of employment.”
Children from low-income families are missing two to three meals a day which is normally provided at school. With doors locked for now, these children do not have access to weekend backpack food and families can no longer access school pantries. Hourly wage earners are being sent home as more events are canceled and retail operations shrink or cease. Pantry partners are reaching out to get more food from Food Bank of Iowa.
Food Bank of Iowa is working with Des Moines Public Schools and our vast network of pantry partners to fill the need. With more food going out the door and fewer volunteers, expenses are escalating.
“I am grateful for the continued support of volunteers, donors, and partners – together we will make sure that no Iowan goes hungry during these uncertain times,” said Book.
Volunteer activities are also continuing uninterrupted at Food Bank of Iowa and volunteers are needed now more than ever. The organization remains committed to their standard safety measures and are taking additional measures to control disease transmission within the volunteer center.
Up to date information about Food Bank of Iowa’s services and current needs may be found on the Food Bank of Iowa website.
About Food Bank of Iowa Food Bank of Iowa is a private, nonprofit donor-funded organization dedicated to making hunger-free Iowa a reality. Through key partnerships with corporations, the USDA and Feeding America—as well as community donations—Food Bank of Iowa distributes 1.5 million pounds of food each month to 175,000 Iowans via 625 partner agencies across 55 Iowa counties.
To learn more, visit foodbankiowa.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/foodbankiowa.