DES MOINES, IOWA (May 12, 2021) — Governor Kim Reynolds announced the release of the final report of the Feeding Iowans Task Force today, outlining the group’s efforts to combat food insecurity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m proud of the work the Feeding Iowans Task Force did to identify gaps in Iowa’s food system, establish programs to shore up supply chains, and distribute support across a wide array of feeding initiatives in the state,” said Gov Reynolds. “The Feeding Iowans Task Force showed how Iowans are able to come together, collaborate, innovate, and step up to help those in need all while creating a strategic blueprint to use in the future.”
“It’s been an absolute honor to lead the Feeding Iowans Task Force’s efforts to combat food insecurity brought on by the pandemic,” said Lieutenant Gov Adan Gregg. “Because of the work these task-force members did, fewer Iowa families and children faced hunger, and our food banks and food-pantry system has been improved and strengthened.”
Gov Reynolds announced the establishment of the Feeding Iowans Task Force on April 10, 2020 with the mission of “identifying potential gaps in the system, connecting resources to ensure Iowans have food on their tables, and making sure Iowans know where to go for help.” The task force was chaired by Lt Gov Adam Gregg, and included members from charitable organizations and state executive branch agencies.
Top-line highlights of the report include:
- Gov Reynolds distributed over $12.3 million in Coronavirus Relief Fund Dollars to support the Feeding Iowans Task Force’s efforts, which helped provide an estimated 38,413,675 meals to hungry Iowans.
- The Beef Up Iowa program provided 450,000 servings of beef, The Pass the Pork program provided 600,000 servings of pork, and the Turkey to Table program provided 700,000 servings of turkey.
- The bulk repurchasing and repackaging program provided over 1.3 million pounds of shelf-stable food items.
- The Double-Up Food Bucks program expanded to over 100 new locations across 76 counties, which helped 75,334 Iowans buy fresh produce.
- “Pack the Pantry” grants helped 102 food pantries expand their refrigeration capacity.
The full version of the Feeding Iowans Task Force final report, including membership, final figures, and more, can be found here.
