(Des Moines, Iowa) — Officials with the Food Bank of Iowa say they ended fiscal year 2023 breaking every record in its 41-year history. Across the 55 counties it serves, Food Bank of Iowa distributed 21 million pounds of food, or the equivalent of 17.5 million meals. The number of pounds is an increase of 4 million pounds from FY2022 and more than 800,000 pounds over the previous record year, FY 2021, during the height of the pandemic. Collectively, Food Bank of Iowa’s 700 partners served 661,506 households in FY 2023, an increase of 171,285 households from the previous year.

They reported nearly 1.8 million points of service, including:

• 759,043 children (age 18 and under)
• 734,043 adults (age 19-59)
• 287,308 older Iowans (age 60+)

A record 9,739 volunteer shifts were filled at Food Bank of Iowa in FY2023, representing 33,334 hours of service or the work of 16 full-time employees. The value of those volunteer hours exceeds $1 million.

Food Bank of Iowa CEO Michelle Book, left, assists with food distribution at First Lutheran Church in Clarion on May 25, 2023.

Food Bank of Iowa CEO Michelle Book said “Food Bank of Iowa is laser focused on providing food for Iowans struggling to make ends meet. At this time of rising need, escalating costs and declining resources, we are grateful for the collaborative support of steadfast donors, energetic volunteers, and most especially for our committed partners who serve at the front line. It takes all of us working together to feed Iowans facing hunger.”

Established in 1982, Food Bank of Iowa provides nutritious food for Iowa children, families, seniors and veterans to lead full and active lives, strengthening their communities. Serving 55 of Iowa’s 99 counties, Food Bank of Iowa delivers 21 million pounds of food (more than 17.5 million meals) to its 700 partners annually. Learn more at foodbankiowa.org.