Polk County Supervisors are raising $10 million to help end hunger in Polk County
|
| John Mauro and Angela Connolly |
Feeding America estimates that more than 55,000 people in Polk County identify as food insecure. Sarai Rice, executive director of the Des Moines Area Religious Council, believes that the true number is much higher — closer to 70,000 or 80,000 people. One in five children go hungry every day, as do one in eight adults.
In the coming days, the Polk County Board of Supervisors and more than 100 partners will issue a challenge to Greater Des Moines to eliminate a problem that affects more than 50,000 county residents.
In tandem with the Iowa Hunger Summit on Oct. 13, they will announce the official launch of the Partnership for a Hunger-Free Polk County. Led by Supervisors John Mauro and Angela Connolly, the partnership seeks to raise $10 million to reduce or eliminate food insecurity among Polk County residents.
Despite an improving economy — and despite the accolades Des Moines receives on a regular basis — food insecurity is a problem in our community, Mauro said.
“This is a Polk County issue. Everyone thinks it’s an inner-city issue, but it’s not. It’s everywhere. There are pantries everywhere — in all the suburbs — but people don’t see that,” Mauro said. “And it’s time for everyone to say, ‘Enough is enough.’ “
This Insider story first appeared in the Oct. 2 issue of the Business Record. You can continue reading the full in-depth story which looks at the new initiative and the reasons behind it online. Continue reading the full story >>>
Trending News
