The Food Bank of Iowa has set a fundraising goal to supply 300,000 meals to needy Iowans. Spokesperson Danny Akright says the lofty goal is for Combat Hunger, the organization's largest annual food and fund drive. "I know last year we hit 270,000 meals, which was the best we've ever done, so this … [Read more...]
Sioux City eatery to start celebrating its 100th anniversary
One of Sioux City's best known restaurants is about to mark a major milestone. The Milwaukee Wiener House opened near the Milwaukee Railroad Line in 1918. In 2013, the restaurant closed its original location to make way for the Hard Rock Casino and reopened a few months later in downtown Sioux … [Read more...]
Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor in Le Mars closing for upgrades
A popular tourist attraction in northwest Iowa will close today for renovation. The Wells Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor, located in Le Mars is closing its doors to begin a four million dollar upgrade. The ice cream parlor will re-open on November 19th for the holiday season, then close again from … [Read more...]
Winners of Robert D. Ray SHARES Humanitarian Award recognized
More than a dozen people and organizations are being honored by the World Food Prize organization for their roles in an effort 39 years ago that helped save the lives of thousands of refugees along the Cambodian border of Thailand. In October of 1979, Ken Quinn was an aide to then Governor Robert … [Read more...]
New company plans to open in shuttered Tyson Foods plant in Cherokee
A newly formed company is planning to do business in a northwest Iowa Tyson Foods plant that was shut down in 2014. Bill Anderson, executive director for Cherokee Area Economic Development, says the Iowa Food Group has acquired the facility. The announcement falls on homecoming week for Cherokee … [Read more...]
Iowans urged to promote hunger awareness during Hunger Action Month
Food insecurity is a daily struggle for thousands of Iowans, including children, families and senior citizens. Donations of canned goods often drop off during September, which is Hunger Action Month. Angie Grote, spokeswoman for the Food Bank for the Heartland, is urging Iowans to promote hunger … [Read more...]
Six Midwest governors, Japan’s ambassador to US at conference next week
The Midwest U.S.-Japan Association is scheduled to meet in Omaha early next week and Iowa's governor will be among six governors from the region to attend. Naoki Ito, the Consul-General of Japan in Chicago, will deliver opening remarks at the conference Monday morning. "I'm really hoping that … [Read more...]
Grassley says food stamp work requirements not in Senate Farm Bill
The U.S. Senate is expected to vote this week on the Farm Bill, though Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says the Senate version will not include a controversial element. Republicans in the House passed a Farm Bill that includes a work requirement for food stamp recipients, something Democrats are … [Read more...]
2018 World Food Prize shared by two men from Britain
The 2018 World Food Prize will be presented in Iowa later this year to two men from Britain. World Food Prize President Kenneth Quinn today revealed the selection of this year's laureates - Lawrence Haddad and David Nabarro. "Through their leadership, our laureates have inspired efforts by … [Read more...]
Expansion announced for Blue Bunny Ice Cream parlor in Le Mars
Wednesday's kickoff to the Ice Cream Days celebration in Le Mars included an announcement by officials with Wells Enterprises about expansion plans for the town's Blue Bunny Ice Cream parlor. Wells Vice President of Retail Sales Adam Baumgartner says the parlor already attracts over 230,000 … [Read more...]