Des Moines, IA, November 20, 2017 – Iowa law enforcement agencies have teamed up to fight hunger with the third annual Arresting Hunger campaign. Earlier this morning, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Des Moines Police Department (DMPD) gathered at Food Bank of Iowa to pack Thanksgiving meal boxes for Iowa families in need.

Law enforcement officers have identified food insecure families in all 99 counties, each of whom will receive a free Thanksgiving dinner kit delivered to their homes. In addition, Arresting Hunger will provide donations to Iowa food banks, food pantries, and other hunger-fighting organizations.

“The Iowa State Patrol and Department of Public Safety are pleased to partner with other law enforcement agencies in our state in order to serve the public in this unique and important way,” said Col. Jeff Ritzman, chief of the Iowa State Patrol. “The holiday season is a special opportunity for families to come together, and our law enforcement family is eager to make the holidays as special as possible for other families who are less fortunate than we.”

DPS worked with the Food Bank of Iowa to create Arresting Hunger two years ago, providing hundreds of Thanksgiving meals in support of the mission to end hunger in Iowa. In addition to the meal boxes, all funds raised are distributed throughout Iowa to assist food insecure families during the week of Thanksgiving.

The Des Moines, Dubuque, and Marshalltown police departments first joined the Arresting Hunger team in 2016, and the campaign seeks participation from other law enforcement agencies throughout Iowa. Those looking to get involved should visit www.foodbankiowa.org or contact Capt. Ken Clary, Iowa State Patrol. Those who would like to donate to this effort may utilize the following link: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/arrestinghunger

The Food Bank of Iowa serves Iowans in need throughout 55 counties in central and southeastern Iowa, providing food to partner agencies like food pantries and homeless shelters, as well as directly to Iowans in need. Last year, the Food Bank of Iowa distributed more than 11 million meals.

“Working with the men and women who serve our state is a natural partnership,” said Michelle Book, Food Bank of Iowa President & CEO. “We’re proud to be part of the Arresting Hunger campaign, helping our law enforcement officers provide Thanksgiving to families who would otherwise go without.”

For media inquiries, contact Danny Akright, communications manager, Food Bank of Iowa, dakright@foodbankiowa.org or 515-564-0330.

To learn how you can help fight hunger in your community, visit www.foodbankiowa.org.