Northeast Iowa Food Bank & Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa are partners in fighting hunger.

In Northeast Iowa, where nearly 40,000 individuals and 14,000 children face food insecurity, the Northeast Iowa Food Bank is working tirelessly to ensure no one goes hungry. “There are a lot of people in Northeast Iowa who don’t know where their next meal is coming from,” said Barb Prather, executive director at NEIFB. “Last year, we were able to distribute 8.4 million meals throughout the region.”

From mobile food pantries and school markets to after-school and summer meal programs, the Food Bank uses a multifaceted approach to reach every corner of its 16-county service area. “Whether it’s through our backpack program or our mobile food pantry or our Kids Cafe programs… it helps us fight food insecurity,” said Barb.

Programs like the Kids Cafe and School Markets make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families. “We want to make sure that kids have a full belly before bed,” said Katelyn Steen, children’s programs manager. She added, “Just in Black Hawk County, there were over 250 homeless students. You don’t realize it’s happening so close to home.”

While much of the food is donated, moving that food where it’s needed requires critical infrastructure and funding—an effort made possible by partnerships like the one with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. “They’ve really stood by us,” said Barb. “The Community Foundation has given us grants throughout our 16 counties, helping us move food around the area—pick it up and distribute it.” In 2024, CFNEIA, along with the Gary, Rebecca, Eric, and Elizabeth Bertch Family Fund (a fund of CFNEIA), made a $200,000 grant to support NEIFB’s capacity-building campaign.

The Community Foundation’s support extends beyond funding. “It’s not just giving us money, but advocating for us—talking about the partnership and how that investment makes a difference in people’s lives,” said the Food Bank leader.

Looking ahead, the Food Bank is focused on growing its impact through innovation and advocacy. “Our vision is every meal, every day, everyone,” Barb emphasized. “We want everyone to have access to food—and know where to get it.”

And through strong community support, dedicated partnerships, and passionate staff, the Food Bank continues to turn that vision into reality—one meal at a time.