Variety — the Children’s Charity is donating $30,000 to the Food Bank of Iowa to support the BackPack program and school pantries. According to a news release, the donation will provide up to 120,000 meals for children in need across Iowa. Officials with Variety said in the release that food insecurity can cause long-lasting harm, especially for children, affecting their health, education and future potential. “Regular access to nutritious food is critical for children in our Iowa schools,” Michelle Book, CEO of Food Bank of Iowa, said in the release. “That’s why we’re so proud to have partners like Variety — the Children’s Charity who help us reach more children.” Sheri McMichael, executive director of Variety, said the donation will support efforts to provide healthy, nutritious food for children and families across the state. “By granting funds to the BackPack program and school pantries throughout Iowa, we can help ensure more children have enough to eat and are better equipped to reach their full potential,” she said.

Iowa Stops Hunger is a yearlong Business Publications Corp. initiative to bring awareness and action to food insecurity in Iowa. Read additional stories on Iowastopshunger.com.