The Wellmark Foundation has announced a $500,000 grant for the renovation of the Food Bank of Iowa’s volunteer center. The newly completed Wellmark Foundation Volunteer Center will provide a safe, comfortable environment for adults and children as young as 10 to engage in projects supporting Food Bank of Iowa’s mission, the nonprofit’s leader said.

“The Wellmark Foundation’s generous contribution will help ensure that every Food Bank of Iowa volunteer has a safe, comfortable, and productive experience,” said Michelle Book, president and CEO of Food Bank of Iowa. “The volunteer room is critical to our operation, as volunteers are key to moving hundreds of tons of food items into our warehouse inventory quickly, making certain nutrition reaches food insecure Iowans when it’s needed most.”

Food insecurity affects 1 in 8 Iowans, leaving them unsure where or when their next meal will be. In addition, 1 in 5 children in Iowa do not have enough food to eat. Food insecurity can affect an individual’s ability to learn and can lead to poor growth, poor lifelong eating habits and increased obesity rates. 

“Living a healthy and productive lifestyle starts with proper nutrition, and the Food Bank of Iowa is making that possible,” said Becky Wampler Bland, executive director of the Wellmark Foundation. “Together, the Wellmark Foundation and the Food Bank of Iowa are working toward a hunger-free Iowa by providing food to children, families and seniors so they can lead full, active lives.” 

Key features of the completed $7 million renovation included the installation of new, energy-efficient LED lighting, a new climate-control system, modern fire suppression systems, and remediation of mold and asbestos. After entering the Wellmark Foundation Volunteer Center, volunteers participate in a wide variety of projects, from sorting donated food items to packaging fresh produce to packing family meal kits.

In conjunction with the announcement of the $500,000 grant, the Wellmark Foundation conducted a food and monetary drive at Wellmark’s downtown headquarters, which netted more than 88,000 meals for Food Bank of Iowa. 

In addition to participating in the food drive, more than 40 Wellmark employees attended the unveiling to deliver the donations and be the first to work in the new Wellmark Foundation Volunteer Center.

To learn how you can help fight hunger in your community, visit foodbankiowa.org.