(Iowa) -- Iowa food banks and farmers are teaming up to help tackle food insecurity in the state.
The Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Program - Food Bank Pilot is designed to help food banks purchase nutritious and locally sourced food.
The pilot program was authorized during the 2024 legislative session and announced by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig during the Annual Iowa Hunger Summit in Des Moines.
Six Iowa food banks as well as the Des Moines Area Religious Council can purchase products from local farmers and ag businesses who are Choose Iowa members.
Eligible purchases will include dairy products, meat and poultry, eggs, honey and produce.
With $225,000 in funding from the state, each dollar will be match one to one by the food banks.
The reimbursement deadline is June 30, 2025.
The six food banks include: Food Bank of Iowa, HACAP, River Bend Food Bank, Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Food Bank of Siouxland, and Food Bank for the Heartland.
Farmers who wish to have products purchased by food banks can apply to be become a Choose Iowa member.