We share a vision of an Iowa where the plates of all our neighbors, family and friends are full. Recently, federal cuts impacted that vision, and we need to talk about it. 

So we’ll get right to it — the USDA recently canceled 16 truckloads of Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) food to Food Bank of Iowa. This creates a shortfall of nearly 400,000 pounds of food from April until July — food meant for seniors on fixed incomes, hardworking families and growing children.  

Replenishing the canceled orders, which included higher-cost items like dairy and protein, will cost Food Bank of Iowa an estimated $1.12 million — and even that will not fully cover the loss.  

We are already responding to this news with urgent action — purchasing replacement food, utilizing the federal resources still at our disposal (including USDA-purchased food through The Emergency Food Assistance Program) and pressing for renewed anti-hunger legislation through a strong, bipartisan, long-term Farm Bill.  

Food Bank of Iowa is not alone in facing this uncertainty. Federal cuts have created a gap between the people who grow and produce our food and the people who need it most. We are working hard to fill this gap, knowing our collective reach is more effective with every partner, like you, who rises to the occasion.  

The demand for food was already historically high before these federal cuts. Food Bank of Iowa team members, along with the Iowa Food Bank Association and Feeding America, are closely monitoring the developing situation so that we can best respond on behalf of our neighbors currently facing hunger.  

There’s no question in our mind — we will continue to serve our communities with dedicated, efficient hard work. We always do, and we always will. If you want to join us in this effort, use the form below to make your gift.  

Your advocacy, generosity and steadfast care matter. Thank you for standing with us.