The Food Bank of Iowa’s inaugural golf tournament, Drive Away Childhood Hunger, raised more than $125,000 on Tuesday. The event, held at the Talons of Tuscany golf course in Ankeny, was followed by a reception at the Albaugh Car Barn, where Dennis Albaugh’s vintage car collection was on display. Funds raised by the golf tournament will support the Food Bank’s school pantry and BackPack programs. The amount raised Tuesday translates to 500,000 meals, or about four meals for every $1 donated. “Yesterday’s generosity on the part of Dennis Albaugh, his team, the many sponsors and golfers made a big difference in the lives of many Iowa kids,” said Michelle Book, CEO of Food Bank of Iowa. “In one extraordinary day, we raised enough to provide 42,000 BackPack bags. This was an amazing outcome for food-insecure kids.” In a release, Food Bank of Iowa officials said that 1 in 8 Iowa children are food insecure, and that 46% of Iowa students qualify for free and reduced-price school meals. One in five of those children are considered chronically hungry, which means they don’t have food at home. Photo submitted by Food Bank of Iowa.

Iowa Stops Hunger is a yearlong Business Publications Corp. initiative to bring awareness and action to food insecurity in Iowa. Read additional stories on Iowastopshunger.com.