Food Bank of Iowa receives $15,000 grant from Variety – the Children’s Charity
Des Moines, Iowa — Food Bank of Iowa has received a $15,000 grant from Variety – the Children’s Charity to help alleviate childhood hunger, which affects one in eight Iowa kids. The grant will go toward Food Bank of Iowa’s BackPack Program™ and help stock the shelves of 129 partner school pantries in 41 counties.
Across the state, 40% of students qualify for free and reduced-price school meals. Kids who lack consistent access to adequate nutrition face a host of issues – delayed development, behavioral problems, poor educational outcomes and the risk of chronic illness.
With support from Variety and other generous donors, Food Bank of Iowa and its partners provide food for children and families facing hunger. The BackPack Program™ provides weekly bags of kid-friendly, nutritionally balanced food to 4,100 elementary school students enrolled in the program. The food tides kids over on Saturdays and Sundays, allowing them to return to school on Monday ready to learn. And Food Bank of Iowa’s 129 partner school pantries assist entire families in need.
Serving 55 of Iowa’s 99 counties, Food Bank of Iowa delivered 20 million pounds of food to its partners this year.
Media Contact
Annette Hacker, Food Bank of Iowa, 515-867-2885, ahacker@foodbankiowa.org
About Food Bank of Iowa
In its 40th year, 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. To volunteer, donate and learn more, visit foodbankiowa.org.
About Variety – the Children’s Charity
Variety – the Children’s Charity is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill or living with special needs throughout Iowa. Funding is provided to programs and initiatives that directly impact the well-being of children throughout Iowa. For more information on how you can be a part of Variety’s work, please visit varietyiowa.com.