The World Food Prize Foundation announced that it will honor Iowa native Dr. Jim Blessman with the 2024 Robert D. Ray Iowa SHARES Award. The award will be presented to Blessman for the work of his nonprofit organization, Blessman International, which has built 400 feeding stations worldwide, 60 freshwater wells and 300 waterless toilet systems. Additionally, the organization’s feeding program, which started by feeding 300 children annually, now prepares and serves over 4 million meals each year through a network reaching more than 50,000 people throughout Southern Africa. “Blessman is a selfless humanitarian in every aspect,” said Ambassador Terry Branstad, president of the World Food Prize Foundation, in a prepared statement. “His dedication to nourishing Southern Africa and uplifting communities has global impact. Above all, Blessman stays true to his roots and exemplifies what it means to be a true Iowan.” Blessman will receive the award on July 31 during the World Food Prize Foundation’s Iowa Hunger Summit. To learn more or register for the event, visit the event page.