Iowa Department of Agriculture Invests $200,000 in Choose Iowa Farms to Food Banks Program

Strategic Insights -

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has announced a $200,000 investment in the Choose Iowa Farms to Food Banks Program, a pilot program aimed at helping food banks purchase locally sourced produce from Iowa farmers. This program, which was initially operated as a pilot in 2024, has been allocated $200,000 in the department's budget for 2025, building upon the success of the previous year's pilot. Six participating food banks will receive a dollar-for-dollar match on their purchases of dairy, meat, poultry, eggs, honey, and produce from Choose Iowa registered farms. The program's expansion includes the addition of flour and grains to the list of eligible items this year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has invested $200,000 in the Choose Iowa Farms to Food Banks Program, which helps food banks purchase locally sourced produce from Iowa farmers.
  • The program, initially operated as a pilot in 2024, has been allocated $200,000 in the department's budget for 2025, building upon its success in the previous year.
  • Six participating food banks will receive a dollar-for-dollar match on their purchases of dairy, meat, poultry, eggs, honey, and produce from Choose Iowa registered farms.
  • The program's expansion includes the addition of flour and grains to the list of eligible items this year.
  • The Choose Iowa Farms to Food Banks Program is part of the Choose Iowa branding and marketing program, which supports locally produced and grown goods in the state.
  • Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the funding for the program at the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program in Hiawatha, one of the participating food banks.
  • The dollar-for-dollar match in 2024 meant that food banks in Iowa purchased more than $480,000 worth of food from 24 local farms and food hubs through the program.
  • IDALS also operates a similar pilot program that helps schools purchase from local farmers, with a budget of $70,000 for the 2025/2026 school year.

Statistics:

  • $200,000: The amount invested by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship in the Choose Iowa Farms to Food Banks Program.
  • $480,000: The amount of food purchased by food banks in Iowa from 24 local farms and food hubs through the program in 2024.
  • 6: The number of participating food banks in the Choose Iowa Farms to Food Banks Program.
  • 24: The number of local farms and food hubs from which food banks purchased food through the program in 2024.
  • $70,000: The budget allocated for the IDALS pilot program that helps schools purchase from local farmers for the 2025/2026 school year.

Sources:

  • "Lawmakers approve budget for agriculture, natural resources." Iowa Capital Dispatch.
  • "Iowa schools eligible for $1,000 match on local food purchases." Iowa Capital Dispatch.
  • "USDA cuts programs bringing local food into schools, food banks." Iowa Capital Dispatch.
  • "Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Pilot Program for Schools." Choose Iowa.
  • "Food Bank of Iowa." Food Bank of Iowa.