(DES MOINES, IA) — Fareway Stores, Inc. and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation announced Monday (Nov. 24th) the donation of a truckload of protein to Iowa’s six Feeding America food banks as part of their annual Meat the Need partnership. The donation, delivered Monday morning to the Food Bank of Iowa, includes 23 pallets totaling 25,000 pounds of protein —the equivalent of 100,000 servings for Iowans in need. Dos Rios taco meat (12,000 lbs.) was secured through a partnership with Two Rivers, while the ground pork portion (13,000 lbs.) was purchased from Webster City Custom Meats.

Jeff Cook, Vice President of Retail Market Operations with Fareway Stores, Inc., said “Fareway is honored to join forces with the Iowa Farm Bureau for the fourth year of Meat the Need. Together, we’re making a meaningful impact by providing protein to families who need it most. This donation reflects our ongoing commitment to serving the communities where
our employees and customers live.”

Brent Johnson, Iowa Farm Bureau President, Tami Nielsen, President & CEO, Food Bank of Iowa & Jeff Cook, Vice President of Retail Market Operations, Fareway Stores, Inc.

2025 marks the fourth consecutive year of the Meat the Need initiative, which ensures families across Iowa have access to essential protein during a critical time of year. Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson said “Iowa farmers take great pride in growing and raising the food that supports our communities. Food insecurity is a challenge that many families are currently facing, and Iowa Farm bureau is proud to partner with Fareway again to ‘Meat the Need’ and provide fresh, high-quality protein to those who need support.”