Food Bank of Iowa receives egg-stra special donation from Iowa Egg Council, Fareway
Des Moines, Iowa (Jan. 19, 2022) — The Iowa Egg Council, in partnership with Fareway, recently conducted a buy two dozen, give one dozen promotion during the holiday season. The 6th annual campaign aimed to provide eggs, a wholesome source of protein, to Iowans struggling with hunger in communities Iowa egg farmers serve. Thanks to overwhelming customer support, Feeding America food banks across Iowa will receive a total donation of 24,400 dozen eggs. In total, the partnership has provided more than 1.5 million eggs to food banks across Iowa since its inception.
“We are proud to partner with Fareway on this promotion to help Iowa’s food banks by providing eggs, an economical protein and essential ingredient,” said Kevin Stiles, executive director of the Iowa Egg Council.
According to the Iowa Egg Council, eggs are one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune function1. Additionally, eggs provide an essential nutrient for fetal development, cell and eye health, and contain 13 essential vitamins and minerals2.
“Customers were encouraged to purchase two dozen eggs of any brand Dec. 6-11,” said Fareway Regional Vice President B.J. Van Der Linden. “Thanks to our generous customers and partnership with the Iowa Egg Council, we were able to provide a truckload donation of eggs for Iowa’s food banks.”
Donations of eggs from individuals are rare, so food banks rely on donations from egg producers, wholesalers and retailers, along with bulk purchasing, to provide a supply for their partners and pantry guests.
“Eggs are one of the best tools in our work to end hunger,” said Michelle Book, CEO of Food Bank of Iowa, representing one of six food banks serving food insecure Iowans. “Because of their high nutritional value and versatility, eggs can become the backbone of breakfast, lunch or dinner for a family in need. We are thrilled by the opportunity to share these excellent eggs with our neighbors in need.”
The eggs will be distributed to the following organizations across Iowa: Food Bank of Iowa, Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Food Bank for the Heartland, Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, River Bend Food Bank and Food Bank of Siouxland.
- (Egg Nutrition Center. Nutrients In Eggs. Retrieved from http://www.eggnutritioncenter.org/topics/nutrients-in-eggs).
- (Egg Nutrition Center. Frequently Asked Nutrition Questions About Eggs. Retrieved from http://www.eggnutritioncenter.org/content/uploads/FAQ-EGGs-2014.10-2.pdf).
About Fareway
Fareway Stores, Inc. is a growing Midwest grocery company currently operating 129 stores in a six-state region. Fareway’s mission is to provide the highest quality products, while treating customers like family, and valuing dedicated employees. Its stores are known for their unmatched, full-service meat departments, farm-fresh produce, and exceptional to-your-car customer service. Fareway is a family-owned business, recognized as a top 10 employer in Iowa, and has more than 12,000 total employees. Visit Fareway.com for more information or shop online by visiting Shop.Fareway.com.
Lead with Love is part of Fareway’s mission aimed at supporting local communities through charitable giving efforts and other initiatives by direct involvement and donated resources. Lead with Love is a valued philosophy held by Fareway and inspired by its outstanding employees. Visit Fareway.com/LeadwithLove for more information.
About Food Bank of Iowa
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. Serving 55 of Iowa’s 99 counties, Food Bank of Iowa delivered more than 17 million pounds of food to its 677 partners in 2021.To give help, or get help, visit foodbankiowa.org.
About Iowa Egg Council
Iowa Egg Council’s mission is to create opportunities to increase the value and consumption of eggs and egg products. Iowa Egg Council is a results-focused organization that partners with others to understand and meet the evolving consumer needs of eggs and egg products. To learn more visit iowaegg.org or find us on Facebook at TheIowaEggCouncil.