Food Bank of Iowa CEO Michelle Book announced she will retire Dec. 31 after leading the organization for nearly nine years.

Since Book became CEO in 2016, some of the food bank’s progress includes increasing food distribution by 230%, acquiring then-Food Bank of Southern Iowa in 2018, and opening 162 school pantries, a news release said.

The organization, which distributes food to more than 700 partners in 55 Iowa counties, also added new transportation, increased volunteerism and raised $20 million to renovate and expand its Des Moines facility during Book’s tenure.

In 2023, the Food Bank of Iowa and the Des Moines Area Religious Council announced a new food rescue partnership and shared distribution standards to collaborate on addressing food insecurity in Polk County.

“It has been an extraordinary privilege to make a difference in the lives of neighbors struggling to make ends meet,” Book said in a prepared statement. “On this journey I have been honored to walk beside a community of individuals who care — my passionate teammates, stalwart partners, generous donors and energetic volunteers. Together, we fight hunger every single day to achieve our shared vision of a hunger-free Iowa.

“This role opened my eyes to the difficult choices people must make when money is short. Although the next chapter will bring more time to enjoy my family and outside interests, I will continue to seek opportunities to improve the human existence.”

Today, the Food Bank of Iowa distributes more than 25 million pounds of food annually to 700 partners across 55 counties.

“During Michelle’s tenure, Food Bank of Iowa has made exceptional progress in its mission,” said Terri Vaughan, chair of Food Bank of Iowa’s board of directors, in a prepared statement. “She took an organization with financial and operating challenges and turned it into one recognized as best in class. Thanks to her leadership, the food bank has been able to dramatically increase the amount of food distributed while improving financial stability.”

The Food Bank of Iowa board of directors will conduct a national search for the food bank’s next leader.