DES MOINES, Iowa (Aug. 21, 2023) — Sixteen Iowa State Fair vendors have donated 12,113 pounds of unused food to Food Bank of Iowa at the close of this year’s fair. That’s nearly 5,000 pounds more than last year!

Among the food collected by FBOI staff and volunteers on Aug. 21, some was delivered immediately to partners including Hope Ministries’ Bethel Mission, YMCA Supportive Housing Campus, Creative Visions and Central Iowa Shelter & Services. Other food will go on inventory for distribution across the 55 counties Food Bank of Iowa serves. Food items donated included:

  • Fresh produce including cucumbers, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes and onions
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Ice cream
  • Strawberry shortcake rolls
  • Coleslaw
  • Milk
  • Cheese slices
  • Hoagie buns

Thanks to these generous state fair vendors for allowing Food Bank of Iowa to rescue safe, wholesome food for Iowans facing food insecurity:

The USDA estimates up to 40% of the U.S. food supply is wasted every year. According to Feeding America, that equates to more than $408 billion in food thrown away each year.

Food Bank of Iowa annually rescues more than 7 million pounds of food from the landfill.

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 21 million pounds of food (more than 17.5 million meals) to its 700 partners annually. Learn more at foodbankiowa.org.

Media contact

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