DES MOINES, Iowa (Sept. 17, 2024) – Food Bank of Iowa CEO Michelle Book, who has led the state’s largest hunger-relief organization for nearly nine years, has announced she will retire Dec. 31, 2024. Book transformed Food Bank of Iowa from once underperforming to a premier Feeding America food bank, receiving awards of excellence in 2022 and 2023. Food Bank of Iowa also is consistently voted among the metro’s most influential nonprofits. Today, Food Bank of Iowa serves more Iowans facing food insecurity than ever before, distributing more than 25 million pounds of food annually to 700 partners across 55 counties.

‘Exceptional progress’
“During Michelle’s tenure, Food Bank of Iowa has made exceptional progress in its mission,” said Terri Vaughan, chair of Food Bank of Iowa’s board of directors. “She took an organization with financial and operating challenges and turned it into one recognized as best in class. Thanks to her leadership, the food bank has been able to dramatically increase the amount of food distributed while improving financial stability. We have increased space for food storage, added partners, implemented efficient distribution plans and provided support for food pantries in schools. The board is grateful for Michelle’s leadership in enabling this amazing transformation.”

Michelle Book

With Book as CEO, Food Bank of Iowa:

• Increased food distribution by 230%, expanding food assistance to children, older Iowans, veterans and immigrant populations
• Acquired then-Food Bank of Southern Iowa in 2018 and later completely renovated the facility. This became Food Bank of Iowa’s Ottumwa distribution center, which supports 13 southeast Iowa counties.
• Modernized transportation from three old trucks to a fleet of 20 vehicles, including three semi tractor-trailers.
• Devised a delivery schedule providing free delivery to all partners
• Raised $20 million to renovate and expand the Des Moines facility twice
• Created volunteer centers of excellence, increasing volunteerism by more than 600%
• Opened 162 school pantries to serve children and their families

Book became Food Bank of Iowa’s third CEO in 2016. She previously led global community relations for DuPont Pioneer (now Corteva) and global compliance at John Deere Financial.

‘Extraordinary privilege’
“It has been an extraordinary privilege to make a difference in the lives of neighbors struggling to make ends meet,” Book said. “On this journey I have been honored to walk beside a community of individuals who care – my passionate teammates, stalwart partners, generous donors and energetic volunteers. Together, we fight hunger every single day to achieve our shared vision of a hunger-free Iowa.

“This role opened my eyes to the difficult choices people must make when money is short. Although the next chapter will bring more time to enjoy my family and outside interests, I will continue to seek opportunities to improve the human existence. As Maya Angelou said, when we know better, we can do better.”

The board of directors will conduct a national search for Food Bank of Iowa’s next leader.

About Food Bank of Iowa
Established in 1982, Food Bank of Iowa provides nutritious food for children, families and older Iowans to live full and active lives, strengthening their communities. Serving 55 of Iowa’s 99 counties, Food Bank of Iowa delivers more than 25 million pounds of food (21 million meals) to 700 partners annually. Learn more at foodbankiowa.org.