ISF Food Rescue edited 024
Food Bank of Iowa staff and volunteers collect surplus food from the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 18, 2025.

DES MOINES, Iowa (Aug. 18, 2025) — Ten Iowa State Fair vendors have donated nearly 6,000 pounds of surplus food to Food Bank of Iowa at the close of this year’s fair. That’s the same amount received for hunger relief following the 2024 fair.

The 5,929 pounds of food rescued today is in addition to thousands of pounds of food donated by fairgoers on Sunday, Aug. 17. That will be sorted and weighed in the coming days.

Food Bank of Iowa has been collecting food that goes unsold at the Iowa State Fair since 2018. The effort supplements Iowa tables and raises awareness for food insecurity in our state.

Because some of the food picked up by FBOI staff and volunteers is perishable and needs to be consumed quickly, half was delivered to metro partners Aug. 18. The remainder will go on inventory for distribution across Food Bank of Iowa’s 55 counties.

Food items donated included:

  • Fresh produce including bananas, blueberries, lettuce, onions and coleslaw
  • Dairy including sour cream, cheese, milk and ice cream
  • Hard-boiled eggs
  • Barksdale Cookies
  • Frozen pork chops, pork loin and pulled pork
  • Miscellaneous condiments and frozen food

Thanks to these Iowa State Fair vendors for donating safe, wholesome food for Iowans facing food insecurity:

  • Iowa Egg Council
  • Iowa Pork Producers Association
  • Iowa Sheep Industry Association
  • Iowa State Fair (Barksdale Cookies)
  • Jalapeño Pete’s
  • JR’s SouthPork Ranch
  • Midwest Dairy
  • Stockman’s Inn
  • Veggie Table
  • West Des Moines United Methodist Church

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 $473 billion in food thrown away annually.

Food Bank of Iowa annually rescues more than 9 million pounds of food.

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 27.3 million pounds of food (22.7 million meals) to 700 partners annually. Learn more at foodbankiowa.org.

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