Business : BENTON COUNTY FARM BUREAU HELPS FEED THE NEED BY DONATING TO LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES

The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges for many Iowans, including the most basic need of food security. To assist with the spike in demand at local food banks, the Benton County Farm Bureau has made monetary donations totaling over $1,500, to several local Food Pantries that serve the residents of Benton County. Because of these donations, the Iowa Farm Bureau will be donating an additional $500 to the HACAP Food Reservoir that also serves Benton County residents. This effort of the Farm Bureau organization is to help feed the need for Iowans who are impacted by this unprecedented time.

"As farmers, we take pride in providing safe, healthy food and now more than ever we know our local communities are in need," said Benton County Farm Bureau President Darren Stein. "Our Farm Bureau board of directors are more than people who grow crops and raise livestock-we're community members first, and we know we all have to take care of each other."

With the closings of many businesses in the state and many Iowans out of work, the Iowa Food Bank Association has seen up to four times the number of new requests for food assistance since the pandemic began. For every dollar received, they are able to distribute 5.5 meals. Our Benton County Farm Bureau leaders wanted to make sure their donations help families that live in Benton County, to help feed the need for those facing tough times and food insecurity in their communities.

About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is the largest statewide, grassroots farm organization in Iowa, celebrating 100 years of creating a vibrant future for agriculture, farm families and their communities. For more information, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com.