Iowa Secretary of Agriculture introduces program to help fight food insecurity

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) — On Wednesday, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig launched a program to help lower food insecurity within communities in the state.

The Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Program – Food Bank Pilot aims to connect food banks with Choose Iowa members (farmers and agriculture businesses). The state’s Department of Agriculture says $225,000 is being allocated to help food banks in providing healthy food to those in need.

“Food insecurity is a real and pressing issue in communities big and small, urban and rural… Choose Iowa is all about connecting consumers to great Iowa products produced by Iowa farmers and small businesses,” Naig said in part in a statement. “And now thanks to the support from the Iowa Legislature and Gov. Reynolds this past session, Choose Iowa will also help connect farmers with food banks to combat food insecurity within our communities.”

State investment will be leveraged by participating food banks, such as the Food Bank of Siouxland, who will match Iowa’s investment on a one-on-one basis. Food banks will buy products like dairy and meat from Choose Iowa members.

The reimbursement deadline is June 30, 2025.

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