DES MOINES, Iowa (Sept. 12, 2024) – The Food Bank of Iowa has received grants totaling $115,000 from Prairie Meadows. Food Bank officials say a Community Betterment Grant of $25,000 will help fight childhood hunger through support of Food Bank of Iowa pantries in Des Moines Public Schools. Food Bank of Iowa provides nutritious food, training and delivery free of charge to 162 schools across 44 counties; 53 of these pantries are in Des Moines Public Schools. A Legacy Grant of $90,000 will support a new mobile pantry unit in 2025, expanding fresh food distribution for central Iowans facing food insecurity.

Prairie Meadows is a nonprofit organization dedicated to lessening the burden of government by promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture and tourism in the state of Iowa. Food Bank of Iowa Vice President of Philanthropy Bergetta Beardsley said, “We are grateful to Prairie Meadows for this critical funding as we work to meet record need for food assistance across the metro. Prairie Meadows has demonstrated its steadfast commitment to our neighbors facing food insecurity time and time again and we deeply appreciate their partnership.”

A school food pantry cooler is pictured on March 27, 2024.

Gary Palmer, Prairie Meadows President and CEO, said “At Prairie Meadows, we believe in the power of giving back to our community. From funding meals for children facing hunger, to infusing life into our city playscapes, Prairie Meadows strives to make a difference in central Iowa. And we are beyond grateful that we have the means and opportunities to do so.”