Northeast Iowa Food Bank launches $14 million campaign to address escalating food insecurity

Supports building expansion and renovation to serve more people and strengthen programs

To The Press

The Northeast Iowa Food Bank has announced the launch of a $14 million campaign to increase its capacity to deal with food insecurity issues, called “From Hunger to Hope, Building a Secure Tomorrow.”

This initiative is designed to expand and renovate the food bank’s facility, upgrade infrastructure and strengthen operations, the organization said in a news statement.

The Northeast Iowa Food Bank, with headquarters in Waterloo, was founded in 1981 amid the Farm Crisis to help struggling families, and it has been operating for more than 40 years to provide food and hope for struggling families.

“But today, it faces a critical challenge,” said Barbara Prather, executive director of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. “The organization has outgrown its current space and urgently needs expansion and renovation to meet increasing demand. With food insecurity at an all-time high, immediate action is needed to ensure no one goes without a meal.”

More than 40,850 people, including more than 13,780 children, are food insecure in northeast Iowa, the organization said, an increase of more than 11,500 from the figure one year ago.

“With demand continuing to rise, this campaign comes at a pivotal moment for the communities the food bank serves,” Prather said.

“This expansion is not for the sake of growth,” Prather said. “It’s about ensuring no one in our community is turned away because we don’t have the resources to meet the demand.”

The organization said the campaign is needed now because the need for food assistance has surged dramatically in recent years, including an 83% increase in food distribution over the past decade and a 200% increase in usage since 2013.

Though located in the Cedar Valley, NEIFB’s service area serves more than 140 agencies and school markets across 16 counties, including Floyd County.

“People often forget that it’s not just Waterloo and Cedar Falls,” said Ron Steele, capacity campaign spokesperson. “The Northeast Iowa Food Bank is serving 16 counties, and trucks are heading out early every morning, sometimes driving two or three hours to reach families in need.”

The From Hunger to Hope campaign will fund strategic improvements to better serve those in need, the organization said, including:

• Expanded freezer and cooler space to increase food storage and reduce waste.

• Dedicated volunteer areas to enhance safety and maximize impact.

• Improved emergency preparedness to respond swiftly to crises.

• Modern equipment and technology to streamline distribution.

• Community education spaces for nutrition education, meal preparation and gardening

Michelle Swanson, capacity campaign co-chair, said, “Most people don’t realize the amount of food the food bank distributes every single day across 16 counties. This campaign gives us the opportunity to meet the growing need and ensure families across northeast Iowa continue to have access to the support they deserve, now and in the years to come.”

The campaign aims to increase annual meal distribution from 8.4 million to 10.5 million meals over the next five years. It will also enhance support for key programs serving children, seniors and families.

Joining Steele in leading the campaign are Michelle and Chad Swanson, Campaign Chairs, with Ken and Patty Cutts serving as Honorary Chairs.

“We’ve seen people who are so thankful for the food they receive,” said Patty Cutts. “When we lift someone up, we give them hope. And when people have hope, they’re more able to move forward, to live better and to build a better life. That’s what we want – a better life for all people.”

“When we built this facility, I was on the Board at the time,” added Ken Cutts. “I thought it would be fine for 50 or 60 years. But the need has grown so much faster than we expected. People want to help, and we have the support, but only if we have the space to take it.”

The Northeast Iowa Food Bank asks individuals, businesses and community groups to be part of the campaign by visiting neifb.org/capacity or calling 319-235-0507.

“The demand is incredibly high right now, and unfortunately, it’s not going to stop,” said Steele. “This campaign gives the Food Bank the ability to do more for more people. There are so many deserving nonprofits in our area, but there is no more basic or urgent need than food.”