THE DISH FALL 2025
MEET JO: RURAL IOWA NEIGHBOR SHARES CONCERNS AMID UNPRECEDENTED TIMES The situation is critical. Federal funding cuts are affecting food banks nationwide — and Food Bank for the Heartland is no exception. Over the past two years, the Food Bank has seen a decrease of more than 2.5 million pounds of food from the USDA. Last fiscal year, 434,000 meals scheduled for distribution were cancelled. That’s the equivalent of nearly 5.5 semi-trucks of produce, protein, and dairy that never reached individuals counting on us. Since last year, we’ve seen a reduction of $2.78 million in government support. Those cuts are having a ripple affect on neighbors like Jo, who recently attended a mobile distribution in Griswold, Iowa.
FY 2025
$2.78 Million REDUCTION IN GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FY 2026
Pictured above: Jo, Iowa Pantry Recipient
pantry participants told us they would simply “go hungry.”
While we continue to navigate significant decreases in resources due to federal funding cuts, the One Big Beautiful Bill has created new barriers to food access With rising costs on everything from rent to medications that will impact our neighbors now and for years to come, especially those utilizing SNAP benefits. Your to food, money doesn’t go as far, and it’s caused her immediate support is not just important—it’s urgently family to cut critical nutrition from their diet. “Grocery necessary to help us fill this widening gap. prices are outrageous. We haven’t been eating beef because it’s just so expensive.” Every day, Heartland families make heart-wrenching decisions on whether they purchase food or other Food Bank’s mobile distributions are one of Jo’s only critical essentials. Your continued support helps us resources to help make ends meet. Like thousands of provide hope for a brighter tomorrow. “This food means neighbors across our country, Jo earns just enough a full stomach when there are no funds. Thank you from to make her ineligible for benefits, yet not sufficient the bottom of my heart.” — North Platte Pantry Recipient to purchase healthy food. “We don’t qualify for SNAP because we make just barely over the limit, so it’s We look forward to working with you to overcome these really hard.” challenges, one donation at a time. The need is rising, and resources are shrinking. Your support is urgent! From Griswold, Iowa, to North Platte, Nebraska, Scan the QR code or visit neighbors are voicing their concerns. When asked what FoodBankHeartland.org /donate they would do if this food wasn’t available, several to help Heartland neig hbors.
OUR MISSION
To eliminate hunger in the Heartland by ensuring consistent access to healthy foods through community partnerships.