Six food banks serve Iowa:
Food Bank for the Heartland
10525 J St.
Omaha, NE 68127
402-331-1213
Food Bank of Iowa
2220 E. 17th St.
P.O. Box 1517
Des Moines, IA 50316
515-564-0330
Food Bank of Siouxland
1313 11th St.
Sioux City, IA 51105
712-255-9741
HACAP Food Reservoir
1515 Hawkeye Drive
P.O. Box 490
Hiawatha, IA 52233
319-393-7811
Northeast Iowa Food Bank
1605 Lafayette St.
P.O. Box 2397
Waterloo, IA 50703
319-235-0507
River Bend Food Bank
4010 Kimmel Drive
Davenport, IA 52802
563-345-6490
To make donations:
Food banks adhere to strict industry standards for food safety. That means all donations need to be unopened, undamaged and unexpired. Protein items like meat or fish must stay properly refrigerated and be labeled to confirm proper USDA processing requirements.
Help Us Stop Hunger (HUSH) is a cooperative effort to reduce Iowa’s deer population and provide Iowans with fresh protein. Hunters who would like to learn about donating deer can contact Stephanie.Lawrence@dnr.iowa.gov.
Gardeners and farmers can donate surplus produce to most food banks, pantries and community fridges. In order to meet their guidelines, be sure to contact the organization before dropping off any produce.
“Food rescue” is a term for donations that come from retailers or producers in order to reduce the amount of edible food that’s thrown away as waste. Grocery chains like Trader Joe’s often work with volunteers to collect unsold, near-expiring products and distribute them to local pantries or meal services for immediate use. Similar services focus on reducing food waste at restaurants. Check your local area for specific ways to help.
Pantries and other food services in your area:
The Des Moines Area Religious Council has food pantries in its network throughout Central Iowa. Find one near you with the online search tool at dmarcunited.org/food. Those with mobility issues may also request to have food delivered by calling 833-362-7220.
Students, faculty and staff can often find assistance through their school. The Food Pantry at Iowa provides free food and basic necessities to anyone with a University of Iowa ID. SHOP is a similar student-run service through Iowa State University, and Panther Pantry serves students at the University of Northern Iowa.
United Way of Central Iowa has a professionally curated database of practical services, including food pantry and meal program locations, which any Iowan can access at any time by dialing 211 or by visiting 211iowa.org.
The Iowa Hunger Directory is a comprehensive index of Iowa organizations that fight hunger, with brief profiles of what each organization does and how Iowans can pitch in or access their services. The initiative was developed through the World Food Prize. Access it online at iowahungersummit.org/en/the_iowa_hunger_directory.
Government assistance and other programs:
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides free food and meals through participating food pantries. The types of foods and meals vary based on availability.
The Commodity Supplemental Foods Program (CSFP) provides free nutrition education and supplemental food for adults ages 60 and over.
Summer Food Service and School Food Programs are available to children to provide breakfast and lunch meals. The School Food Program is run through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, and eligibility information can be found through the child’s school. The Summer Food Program is available through the state to supplement meals during summer breaks. Call the Bureau of Nutrition, Health, and Transportation Services at 515-281-5356 for information.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly funds to eligible families to supplement grocery budgets so they can purchase healthy food. SNAP also extends a special program for women, infants and children (WIC) to help provide food, health care referrals, and nutrition education for qualifying pregnant and postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5.
Learn more about each program and how to apply at hhs.iowa.gov/programs/food-assistance.
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