The Food Bank of Iowa partnered with Prairie Meadows for a food distribution event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Tuesday, where 30,000 pounds of food was handed out in four hours. According to a news release, 3,800 people received fresh produce, eggs and chicken. It was the latest in efforts to help people affected by food insecurity, which has doubled since January, and tripled for households with children, the release states. During Tuesday’s distribution, a safe, socially distant system was created where food was placed directly in people’s cars so no one needed to get out of their vehicle to get food. “It is critical Food Bank of Iowa continues to find innovative, collaborative ways to put food on the table of Iowans struggling to make ends meet,” said Michelle Book, CEO of Food Bank of Iowa, in the release. “We are proud to have partners like Prairie Meadows who help us reach more Iowans.” A recent grant from Prairie Meadows will help Food Bank of Iowa fight food insecurity in Polk County. “We take great pride in working toward ensuring that the most basic of needs can be met for central Iowans,” Prairie Meadows President and CEO Gary Palmer said in the release. “Partnering with an organization like the Food Bank of Iowa helps address the immediacy of the issues today, while serving as a catalyst for recovery and growth in the future.” 

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