Recent Initiatives Highlight Power of Collaboration
September 22, 2015
Most people would agree that the complex challenge of hunger is best approached through partnerships. Two
recent initiatives highlight the power of collaborations between business, nonprofit, and educational institutions to
feed hungry kids in Iowa.
One initiative, led by the Land O’Lakes Foundation and the Food Bank of Iowa, is distributing 40,000 lbs of Mac and
Cheese in 55 Iowa counties. The other initiative, led by the Midwest Dairy Council, is partnering with schools across
Iowa to help students start each day with a healthy breakfast.
Midwest Dairy Council Partnering with Iowa Schools on Breakfast Programs
By Erin Thole, Iowa Health and Wellness Program Manager, Midwest Dairy Council
While breakfast remains to be the most important meal of the day only 13 million
students consume school breakfast compared to the 31 million students who
consume school lunch. Much of this is due to the stereotype that breakfast is for
students who are certified for free or reduced priced meals. To help close the gap
and move away from the stereotype, Midwest Dairy has helped schools across
Iowa implement programs such as Breakfast in the Classroom, Grab ‘n’ go
breakfast, and second chance breakfast.
For more information about Midwest Dairy’s school breakfast partnerships in Iowa, download their flier or contact
Erin Thole at [email protected] or 515-965-4625.
Land O’Lakes Foundation Donates 40,000 lbs. of Mac and Cheese
Premade product provides an easy-to-fix option for recipients
By A.J. Graves, Community Relations Manager, Land O’Lakes
This month, the Land O’Lakes Foundation First Run program donated 40,000
lbs. of macaroni and cheese to the Food Bank of Iowa in Des Moines. The
product will be distributed through 390 partner agencies as well as direct
service programs in 42 counties throughout the state, as well as an additional
13 counties through their redistribution organization, the Food Bank of
Southern Iowa.
What makes our product donation unique is that it’s a premade, easy-to-fix
option for recipients.
“The 5 lb. bags of LAND O LAKES® macaroni and cheese are perfect for the clients we serve,” said Carey Miller,
executive director for the Food Bank of Iowa. “It can be paired with meat and produce clients receive from our
partner agencies or programs to create a complete meal. And it’s great because no additional ingredients are
needed for preparation.”
As Miller guided three Land O’Lakes corporate board members through the distribution center, she explained the
ways they get food to people in need.
“Our partner agencies and food bank programs have access to an online ordering system 24 hours a day, seven
days a week,” said Miller. “They order food based on the needs of their clients. The food is then distributed by us or
picked up by the agency or program.”
There are a number of companies like Land O’Lakes that donate product, but that’s not the only source of support
for the Food Bank of Iowa, a member of the Feeding America® food bank network.
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