Gov. Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority announced $5 million in awards to four nonprofits that are investing in the infrastructure to increase the availability of food distributed to local food pantries throughout the state. The Food Bank of Iowa Ottumwa’s location will benefit from this award. The Iowa Food Insecurity Infrastructure Fund was established to help more Iowans in need get access to fresh, nutritious food. The grants were made available through the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act.
“With this investment, these networks will be able to update and modernize their facilities, provide more access to fresh foods, and serve Iowans for many years to come,” said Gov. Reynolds. “Food insecurity doesn’t exist in a vacuum and requires a realistic approach to interrupt the cycle before Iowans become food insecure. It’s my commitment that Iowa will continue to improve our job training programs, our housing and childcare initiatives, and our mental health system as a comprehensive approach to address this multifaceted challenge.”
The Food Bank of Iowa will remodel their Ottumwa warehouse to support ADA accessibility, improve visitation and volunteer capacity, and to improve outreach, allowing for staff flexibility and closer proximity to new and existing partners. The organization will also complete a major capital project currently underway at their Des Moines operation.
They are awarded $560,207 to remodel, which will help many people in the region.
For more program information, please visit iowaeda.com/infrastructure/food-infrastructure.