Iowa State Fair Archives - Food Bank of IowaFood Bank of Iowa

October 8, 2025

One-Dish Wonders cookbook free to download

Just in time for comfort food season, download our updated cookbook with the winning recipes from our state fair competition, sponsored by Nationwide.

August 18, 2025

State fair food rescue: the gift that keeps on giving

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 in addition to thousands of pounds donated by fairgoers on the last day of the fair, which will be sorted and weighed in the coming days.

August 7, 2025

Nationwide, Food Bank of Iowa serve up fifth annual state fair contest

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" competition at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 17.

August 19, 2024

Food Bank of Iowa receives 6,000 pounds of food from Iowa State Fair vendors

Sixteen Iowa State Fair vendors have donated 6,000 pounds of surplus food to Food Bank of Iowa at the close of this year's fair.

August 19, 2024

Susan Jones wins state fair casserole contest

Susan Jones of Winterset won first place in Food Bank of Iowa's fourth annual "Chopped" casserole competition, sponsored by Nationwide, on the final day of the 2024 Iowa State Fair.

August 2, 2024

RFD-TV host, celebrity judges will participate in Food Bank of Iowa’s fourth annual state fair casserole contest

Kirbe Schnoor, host of RFD-TV's "FarmHer," will join Food Bank of Iowa CEO Michelle Book to emcee the food bank's fourth annual Iowa State Fair casserole contest Aug. 18.

November 13, 2023

Download 2023 ‘Chopped’ cookbook

The NEW edition of our "Chopped -- Hot Dish" cookbook is live -- with this year's winning recipes from our Iowa State Fair competition. Try some new casseroles just in time for comfort food season. Chef's kiss to Nationwide for sponsoring this annual contest honoring Iowa cooks for their tastiest, budget-friendly recipes!

August 21, 2023

More than 12,000 pounds of leftover food rescued from Iowa State Fair

Sixteen Iowa State Fair vendors have donated more than 12,000 pounds of unused food to Food Bank of Iowa at the close of this year's fair.

August 21, 2023

DeeDee Kennedy wins state fair casserole contest

DeeDee Kennedy of Des Moines won first place in Food Bank of Iowa's "Chopped -- Hot Dish Edition" casserole competition, sponsored by Nationwide, on the final day of the 2023 Iowa State Fair. She is generously donating her winnings to Food Bank of Iowa.