Nationwide, Food Bank of Iowa serve up fifth annual state fair contest
DES MOINES, Iowa – Lou Sipolt Jr., host of Local 5’s “Iowa Live,” will join Food Bank of Iowa and Nationwide to emcee the fifth annual “Chopped – One-Dish Wonders” cooking competition at the Iowa State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 11 a.m.
Fairgoers can watch the competition and join the fun in the Elwell Family Food Center. Audience members will have an opportunity to answer questions and win prizes.
Sipolt is a longtime central Iowa media personality and friend to nonprofits across the state. (He will be recognized as the Iowa State Fair’s “Iowan of the Day” on Aug. 16.)
Food Bank of Iowa – Chopped is sponsored by Nationwide and offers the largest cash prizes awarded across all Iowa State Fair food entries. (See Division 94A.) The first-place winner will receive $1,200; second place will receive $700 and third place, $500.
The competition challenges entrants to create affordable, delicious, one-dish meals using ingredients easily obtainable by food pantry guests. Entries must cost $5 or less per serving and include a starch, sauce, protein and vegetable. Any toppings, seasonings and garnishes must be included in the per-serving cost. Entry rules are on the Iowa State Fair’s website.
This year’s contest judges include:
- Nola Morris, chief marketing officer of Thelma’s Treats
- Nationwide Agribusiness Senior Vice President Dirk Pollitt, who also serves on Food Bank of Iowa’s board of directors
- Storyteller, fifth-generation farmer and foodie Darcy Maulsby, author of “A Culinary History of Iowa: Sweet Corn, Pork Tenderloins, Maid-Rites and More” and “Classic Restaurants of Des Moines and Their Recipes,” among other books.
- Nash Roe, teen baking entrepreneur, chef and social media and television personality
- Two judges appointed by the Iowa State Fair
Last year’s first-place winner was Susan Jones of Winterset, whose BBQ Meatloaf Mac, Cheese and Corn Casserole impressed the judges with its flavor, affordability and creative use of ingredients. Her recipe may be found in the “Food Bank of Iowa Chopped” cookbook online.
Special savings
On Sunday Funday, Aug. 17, receive $9 adult (ages 12 and over) fair admission with a donation of three cans of nonperishable food from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food Bank of Iowa staff and volunteers will accept donations at the fair gates and greet fairgoers on the Grand Concourse for fun and giveaways.
Food Bank of Iowa will again collect food from Iowa State Fair vendors at the close of this year’s fair.
About Food Bank of Iowa
Established in 1982, Food Bank of Iowa provides nutritious food for Iowa children, families, seniors and veterans to live full and active lives, strengthening their communities. Serving 55 of Iowa’s 99 counties, Food Bank of Iowa delivers more than 27 million pounds of food (22.7 million meals) to 700 partners annually. Learn more at foodbankiowa.org.
About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified financial services and insurance organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; and pet, motorcycle and boat insurance.
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Media contact
Annette Hacker, chief communications and strategy officer, Food Bank of Iowa, 515-867-2885, ahacker@foodbankiowa.org