Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig has announced the launch of the Choose Iowa Food Purchasing Program – Food Bank Pilot. The pilot program, which was authorized during the 2024 legislative session and is an initiative of the state’s Choose Iowa program, aims to connect Iowa food banks with Choose Iowa members to help alleviate food insecurity. The state has allocated $225,000 to help six Iowa food banks and Des Moines Area Religious Council purchase products from farmers and ag businesses that are Choose Iowa members. The food banks will match the state’s investment on a one-to-one basis. The new program was announced during the recent Iowa Hunger Summit held at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines. To view a list of current Choose Iowa members, click here.