Hunger in Iowa - The Facts

In fiscal year of 2008–2009, the Food Bank of Iowa, a private, nonprofit organization, channeled 5,103,762 pounds of donated grocery products to needy families and individuals through a network of more than 280 nonprofit agencies in 42 Iowa counties.

Voluntary non-scientific reports submitted by Food Bank of Iowa member agencies in 2008 showed 5,661,811 meals were served in agencies throughout the service area. More than 142,5208 households made up of 410,993 individuals were served through the reporting pantries.

Hunger & Food Insecurity

Hunger is defined as the uneasy or painful sensation caused by a recurrent or involuntary lack of food and is a potential, although not necessary consequence of food insecurity. Over time, hunger may result in malnutrition.

Food insecurity occurs whenever the availability of nutritionally adequate and safe food, or the ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways, is limited or uncertain.

Other Statistics on Hunger in Iowa

13,500 people received food in any given week
$740 was the median monthly income for people receiving food assistance
74% of recipients lived below the federal poverty line in the previous month
56% of hungry families have children under the age of 18
41% of families receive food stamp assistance
40% choose between eating and paying bills, such as rent and utilities
39% have at least one working adult

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Statistics taken from Hunger in America 2006. Food Bank of Iowa results based on the response of clients at emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in our 42-county service area.