Fareway, Iowa Farm Bureau and Food Bank of Iowa Continue “Meat the Need” Partnership, Delivering Truckload of Protein to Help Fight Hunger
Representatives of Fareway Stores, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, and Food Bank of Iowa gather for the fifth annual “Meat the Need” partnership on November 6th, 2026. The organizations donated 23,440 pounds of ground pork and turkey, valued at $50,000, to help feed Iowa families. The meat will be distributed through Food Bank of Iowa’s network of food pantries and meal programs across the state.
This year marks the fifth consecutive year of the partnership, which brings together Iowa farmers, Fareway customers and employees, and hunger-relief advocates to address food insecurity across the state. The protein donation will be distributed through Food Bank of Iowa’s network of partner food pantries, meal programs and agencies serving communities throughout Iowa.
“Providing families with access to quality protein is one of the most impactful ways we can support our neighbors facing hunger,” said Jeff Cook, Vice President of Market Operations for Fareway Stores, Inc. “Fareway is proud to continue our partnership with Iowa Farm Bureau and Food Bank of Iowa through the Meat the Need program. Together, we are helping deliver nutritious meals to Iowans while supporting the farmers and communities at the heart of our state.”
“Iowa farmers are committed to growing and raising the food that our communities depend on, and we’re proud to help support our neighbors across Iowa during a time of need,” Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson said. “Food insecurity is a challenge facing many families, and Iowa Farm Bureau is proud to continue our partnership with Fareway to provide fresh, high-quality protein to those who need support.”
“For the fifth year, Fareway and the Iowa Farm Bureau have generously supported our ‘Meat’ the Need campaign with a donation of fresh, high-quality protein,” said Food Bank of Iowa President and CEO Tami Nielsen. “This dedicated partnership means the world to us and our neighbors facing hunger. Nearly 100,000 Iowans will soon sit down to a nutritious meal including ground pork or ground turkey – both of which are so versatile – thanks to this meaningful donation.”
Protein remains one of the most requested and cost-prohibitive items for food banks to secure. Through the Meat the Need program, Fareway, Iowa Farm Bureau and Food Bank of Iowa continue to work together to provide nutritious, protein-rich food to individuals and families across the state when it is needed most.
