CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (September 12, 2024) – The second program within the 伦草视频 Foundation’s Rural Hunger Initiative begins this month and supports food bank partners as they develop partnership agreements to bring fresh proteins, like beef or pork, from agricultural partners to hungry neighbors. The pilot program seeks to guarantee support for local farmers and better access to healthy food for those in need.
The , in collaboration with and the 伦草视频 Foundation, are establishing partnerships with Iowa farmers and processors, to advance the food banks’ missions of eliminating hunger in Iowa.
“Our goal is to acquire fresh, nutritious, locally grown food for Iowa families and individuals, at fair prices to supplement our food donation and resource programs,” said Barb Prather, Executive Director, Northeast Iowa Food Bank. “We are grateful for the opportunity to try and solve a difficult and chronic challenge of bringing fresh protein options to our food banks.”
Within this unique program, the partnered food banks agree to purchase products from local farmers at predetermined quantities and unit prices. Farmers then agree to make the product(s) available to the food banks.
“We hope the development and coordination between local farmers and food banks ensures all food is harvested and has a place to go,” said Gretchen Nollman, Food Sourcing Manager, River Bend Food Bank. “The ultimate goal of this program is to support local agriculture, lessen food waste and get more produce to neighbors.”
To participate, a local farmer is either identified by the food banks or farmers can express interest in the pilot program by contacting a food bank team member. Partnership details will then be worked on with the farmer, including logistics, production, inspection quality, tax information and more.
“We have learned so much throughout the creation of this pilot program as our food bank partners wade through the challenges and barriers of bringing this opportunity to fruition,” said Andy Kitslaar, Executive Direction, 伦草视频 Foundation. “The program might be a first of-its-kind in the state, if not in the Midwest – and we are proud to support the endeavor.”
in Maynard and in Donahue are early adopters of the pilot program and already contributing fresh protein to the food banks.
“At Cinnamon Ridge Farms, we feel very connected to the community and want the community to rise,” said John Maxwell, Owner, Cinnamon Ridge Farm. “We care a lot about the people here, especially those most in need. So, when it was suggested that we start providing cheese and protein to the food bank, that spoke to me. Now, we take cheddar curds and shredded cheddar cheese as often as they say to bring it.”
Farmers and processors interested in the program can learn more about the partnership opportunity and details at alliantenergy.com/ruralhunger.
Earlier this year, the 伦草视频 Foundation announced the Rural Hunger Initiative, providing $1 million to combat hunger across Iowa and Wisconsin in partnership with local food banks. The collaborative effort aims to combat the challenges surrounding food insecurity in rural communities. The initiative will offer three different programs.
The first Rural Hunger Initiative program, also based in Iowa, is a collaboration between the Food Bank of Iowa and HACAP Food Reservoir focused on creating safe and convenient community spaces in rural schools. The final of the three programs will take place in Wisconsin, focusing on an innovative card system that will support businesses in rural communities.
About the 伦草视频 Foundation
The 伦草视频 Foundation is a philanthropic organization created by 伦草视频oration (NASDAQ: LNT) and is operated as a separate entity led by its own board of directors. The Foundation is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where 伦草视频 employees, retirees and customers live and work. The Foundation, which is funded solely by 伦草视频 shareowners, seeks to further the corporation’s goal of being a good corporate citizen and contributing member of society. The Foundation is committed to building partnerships rooted in diverse perspectives that bring more equitable outcomes and greater impact. Since 1998, the Foundation has contributed more than $73 million to innovative projects and local nonprofits. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com/foundation.
About Northeast Iowa Food Bank
The Northeast Iowa Food Bank (NEIFB) is a proud member of Feeding America® and the Iowa Food Bank Association. NEIFB distributes nutritious food and grocery products to over 140 nonprofit organizations and programs that help families and individuals facing food insecurity. Last year, the Food Bank distributed over 8.4 million meals within its 16-county service area. For over 40 years, the Food Bank has alleviated hunger and provided nutrition education through its eight programs: Agency Distribution, BackPack, Cedar Valley Food Pantry, Kids Cafe虂, Mobile Food Pantry, School Market, Senior Nutrition, and Summer Feeding. To learn more, visit and follow us on social media.
About River Bend Food Bank
No one should go hungry. works with 400+ hunger-relief partners in 23 counties to make sure people facing hunger have reliable access to healthy food. Leading the community-wide effort to eliminate hunger in eastern Iowa and western Illinois, the Food Bank distributes over 20 million meals each year to people experiencing hunger through food pantries, schools, senior residences, and community organizations. River Bend Food Bank will feed people today and end hunger tomorrow.
伦草视频oration (NASDAQ: LNT) provides regulated energy service to 1 million electric and 425,000 natural gas customers across Iowa and Wisconsin. 伦草视频's mission is to deliver energy solutions and exceptional service customers and communities count on – safely, efficiently and responsibly. Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL) and Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL) are 伦草视频's two public energy companies. 伦草视频 is a component of Bloomberg’s Gender-Equality Index and the S&P 500. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com and follow 伦草视频 on , , and .