The Wellmark Foundation announced it has provided a $100,000 grant to the Food Bank of Iowa resulting in the equivalent of 400,000 meals. The donation will help support the growing number of requests the Food Bank of Iowa is receiving for food assistance.

“Even in ordinary times, food insecurity is a real problem for thousands of Iowans, unfortunately COVID-19 has grown those numbers significantly,” said Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. “The Wellmark Foundation’s generous donation captures the spirit of our Feeding Iowa Taskforce and will ensure the Food Bank of Iowa can continue the important work of providing food for those who need it most.”

Food-insecure individuals are defined as those who face barriers in accessing nutritious foods. However, with more families dealing with recent furloughs or layoffs and children out of school, demands on the Food Bank of Iowa have increased over 60 percent. Food insecurity can impact a child’s ability to learn, can lead to poor growth, poor lifelong eating habits and increased obesity rates.

“Having access to healthy and nutritious food is a basic need,” said Becky Wampler Bland, executive director of The Wellmark Foundation. “This grant from the Wellmark Foundation will help fill a critical gap for Iowans — at a time when it is needed most. We are proud to support the Food Bank of Iowa’s tireless commitment to providing nutritious food for Iowans in these trying times.”

Click here to learn more about The Wellmark Foundation or to access Food Bank of Iowa resources and volunteer opportunities.

About The Wellmark Foundation
The Wellmark Foundation is a private, non-profit foundation created by Wellmark, Inc., doing business as Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa. Please visit The Wellmark Foundation’s Web site at wellmark.com/foundation to learn more about our grant program, as well as a list of previous grant recipients. Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa and The Wellmark Foundation are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Food Bank of Iowa is a private, not-for-profit organization committed to its mission of providing food to Iowa children, families and seniors to lead full and active lives, strengthening the communities where they live. Food Bank of Iowa distributes donated food and grocery products through Iowa’s largest network of emergency food providers, consisting of about 500 partner agencies in 55 counties. Last year, Food Bank of Iowa distributed 11,059,646 meals through its network of partners and direct service programs. Food Bank of Iowa operates distribution centers in Des Moines and Ottumwa. To learn more, visit www.foodbankiowa.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/foodbankiowa.