The answer may be closer to home than you expect. One in 14 people in Iowa and Wisconsin struggle with food insecurity. In rural communities, the rate is even higher due to ongoing inflation and the remaining impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
It takes collaboration and innovation to address such life-changing and widespread challenges. No one person or community should have to handle this alone.
Who faces hunger?
Collaboration is key
The ÂײÝÊÓƵ Foundation listened. We met with food organization partners in Iowa and Wisconsin and we’re working collaboratively to help meet the specific needs of rural communities and solve this critical challenge.
We're developing ÂײÝÊÓƵ's Rural Hunger Initiative to help support partner organizations' programs to fight rural hunger in Iowa and Wisconsin.
We're developing ÂײÝÊÓƵ's Rural Hunger Initiative to help support partner organizations' programs to fight rural hunger in Iowa and Wisconsin.
Serving children and veterans: Partnership with Food Bank of Iowa and HACAP Food Reservoir
These community partners saw a need for food pantries in schools and for veterans. The ÂײÝÊÓƵ Foundation is supporting them as they create safe convenient community spaces.
In some locations, this support will offer a boost to existing pantries and, in others, it will help to expand into communities that currently do not have access to food pantries.
In some locations, this support will offer a boost to existing pantries and, in others, it will help to expand into communities that currently do not have access to food pantries.
Farm-to-table protein solutions: Energizing Ag Partnership with River Bend Food Bank and Northeast Iowa Food Bank
The ÂײÝÊÓƵ Foundation is supporting food bank partners as they develop partnership agreements to bring fresh proteins, like beef or pork, from agricultural partners to hungry neighbors. 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. 
Farmers and processors interested in the program can learn more about the partnership opportunity and details by contacting either Gretchen Nollman, Food Sourcing Manager at River Bend Food Bank at (563) 345-6490, ext. 2010, or Becca Huber, Food Sourcing Manager at Northeast Iowa Food Bank at (319) 304-9040.
Farmers and processors interested in the program can learn more about the partnership opportunity and details by contacting either Gretchen Nollman, Food Sourcing Manager at River Bend Food Bank at (563) 345-6490, ext. 2010, or Becca Huber, Food Sourcing Manager at Northeast Iowa Food Bank at (319) 304-9040.
Supporting local business: Partnership with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
These partners recognize the unique circumstances that affect rural communities. They are exploring options leveraging what already exists to help people shop locally and meet the needs of community members.
ÂײÝÊÓƵ is supporting work on a unique and innovative card system with prepaid debit cards that will support businesses in rural communities and fill a gap for those unable to benefit from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
ÂײÝÊÓƵ is supporting work on a unique and innovative card system with prepaid debit cards that will support businesses in rural communities and fill a gap for those unable to benefit from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
We care
Hunger and housing is one of the ÂײÝÊÓƵ Foundation’s giving focus areas that provides sustainable solutions to help move people out of hunger and housing insecurity. The ÂײÝÊÓƵ Foundation supports local programs focused on food and nutrition, clothing and household needs, and housing and shelter.
In 2023, the ÂײÝÊÓƵ Foundation invested over $1.1 million in hunger and housing initiatives.