Iowa Farm Bureau and University of Iowa ANF Partnership Helps Elevate Issue of Hunger in Iowa
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - November 2, 2012 -As Iowans make their meal and travel plans for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, there are many in the state who are struggling to just put food on the table. With winter weather approaching and needs increasing at food banks across the state, the America Needs Farmers (ANF) $21,500 donation comes at a critical juncture.
The Iowa Food Bank Association says $21,500 would help provide over 60,000 meals to hungry Iowans. "This is the time of year when our food banks statewide see an increased need; we're heading into winter and utility bills are starting to go up and with food prices also rising this year, that means food banks are critically low," said Jordan Vernoy, director of the Food Bank Association of Iowa.
Iowa Farm Bureau and the University of Iowa Athletics Department began their partnership in 2011 to invigorate the ANF program, which was first started by former Hawkeye legendary coach, Hayden Fry, to show support of farmers impacted by the 1985 Farm Crisis. "The ANF initiative brought in 5,040 pounds of food for area food banks during this year's spring scrimmage. We're happy to help even more, with this joint IFBF and U of I donation of $21,500 for hungry families statewide," said IFBF Executive Director Denny Presnall.
To date, the ANF initiative has contributed more than $41,000 to Iowa's food banks since the program began last year.
"ANF is important on many fronts because it helps elevate not only the issue of farming, but also food and hunger to a nationwide audience," said Presnall.
To see more ANF Game Day fun or to learn more about America Needs Farmers, visit www.americaneedsfarmers.org. The Iowa Food Bank Association is a collaboration of eight food banks that collect and distribute food and essential supplies across the state. To learn more, or to make a donation, go to: www.iowafba.org .
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About Iowa Farm Bureau
The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to enhancing the People, Progress and Pride of Iowa. More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve farm and rural prosperity. For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online Newsroom page at www.iowafarmbureau.com.
