In an effort to help Iowa food pantries meet expanding food demands, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig, has introduced the Pack the Pantry program. Through this initiative, food pantries can apply for grants to increase their refrigeration capacity, which allows them to offer more perishable, locally-grown foods. “Food pantries are the first, local line of defense against hunger in communities across Iowa,” Naig says. “More refrigeration at food pantries means more Iowa eggs, dairy, produce and meat can get on plates where it’s needed most. I am grateful that our farmers can be part of that solution.” Gov. Kim Reynolds says this is a great step in addressing food insecurity. “In Iowa, we have seen our producers, business owners and families step up to help those in need,” said Reynolds. “The Pack the Pantry grant program will provide our food pantries with the tools they need to help even more Iowans have access to nutritious food.” The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will award local food pantries up to $10,000 to install refrigeration and cooler units. To apply, pantry directors should fill out the application, which can be found through the link included below. These will be open until 11:59 p.m. on July 17.
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Pack the Pantry applications: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOO8w780-MB9wrwWeG_EjsmGlEsRIbXLBRwIH3TDtcvPUb1Q/viewform
