May 18, 2020
Des Moines, IA — The Wellmark Foundation announced it has provided a $100,000 grant to the Food Bank of Iowa resulting in the equivalent of 400,000 meals. The donation will help support the growing number of requests the Food Bank of Iowa is receiving for food assistance.
"Even in ordinary times, food insecurity is a real problem for thousands of Iowans, unfortunately COVID-19 has grown those numbers significantly," said Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. "The Wellmark Foundation's generous donation captures the spirit of our Feeding Iowa Taskforce and will ensure the Food Bank of Iowa can continue the important work of providing food for those who need it most."
Food-insecure individuals are defined as those who face barriers in accessing nutritious foods. However, with more families dealing with recent furloughs or layoffs and children out of school, demands on the Food Bank of Iowa have increased over 60 percent. Food insecurity can impact a child's ability to learn, can lead to poor growth, poor lifelong eating habits and increased obesity rates.
"Having access to healthy and nutritious food is a basic need," said Becky Wampler Bland, executive director of The Wellmark Foundation. "This grant from the Wellmark Foundation will help fill a critical gap for Iowans – at a time when it is needed most. We are proud to support the Food Bank of Iowa's tireless commitment to providing nutritious food for Iowans in these trying times."
Learn more about The Wellmark Foundation or Food Bank of Iowa External Site resources and volunteer opportunities.
