Photo: Food Bank of Iowa
(Des Moines, IA) -- The Food Bank of Iowa says 16-State Fair vendors donated more than 12-thousand pounds of unused food. Some of the perishables collected on the last day of the fair went right away to local non-profits and shelters. Other items will be distributed to 55 counties served by the Food Bank of Iowa.
Food items donated included:
- Fresh produce including cucumbers, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes and onions
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Ice cream
- Strawberry shortcake rolls
- Coleslaw
- Milk
- Cheese slices
- Hoagie buns
The USDA estimates up to 40% of the U.S. food supply is wasted every year. According to Feeding America, that equates to more than $408 billion in food thrown away each year.
Food Bank of Iowa annually rescues more than 7 million pounds of food from the landfill.