Iowa’s largest food pantry offered help to more people in 2020 than ever before in its 128-year history. The Bidwell Riverside Center served more than 16,700 individuals during the past year. Spokeswoman Alison Hanner says certain items are in constant demand at the Des Moines-based … [Read more...]
Iowa restaurants fear more pandemic loses coming with winter
A study conducted by the Iowa and National Restaurant Associations confirms the fears about the impact of COVID shutdowns on the industry. The president of the Iowa association, Jessica Dunker, says the pandemic has been devastating to the industry. She says they entered 2020 with the hope of … [Read more...]
Cresco’s Norman Borlaug won the Nobel Peace Prize 50 years ago this week
Fifty years ago this week, the groundbreaking work of a northeast Iowa farmer was recognized on the global stage as Norman Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Barbara Stinson, president of World Food Prize Foundation -- which Borlaug founded, says his research in plant genetics mobilized … [Read more...]
Casey’s sees improved second quarter results
The Ankeny-based Casey's convenience store chain is reporting better second-quarter earnings despite lower numbers of customers due to the pandemic. Casey's CEO Darren Rebelez spoke about the results during a conference call for investors. "We had a tremendous second quarter. Diluted earnings per … [Read more...]
Casey’s expands through acquisition of another convenience store chain
The Ankeny-based Casey's convenience store chain has purchased another chain with stores in several states. Casey’s announced the agreement today to acquire Buchanan Energy -- the owner of Bucky’s Convenience Stores -- in an all-cash transaction for $580 million. Bucky’s Convenience Stores were … [Read more...]
Prairieburg restaurant has state’s ‘Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin’
A Linn County restaurant is the home of Iowa's "Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin" for 2020. Iowa Pork Producers Association spokesperson, Dal Grooms, says the winning sandwich is sold at the PrairieMoon On Main in the small town of Prairieburg. "It's about 30 miles northeast of Cedar Rapids and … [Read more...]
DNR asking hunters again to make deer donations to feed the hungry
The Iowa DNR is asking deer hunters to take part in a program once again this year that donates venison to help feed the hungry. Coordinator Alicia Plathe says the Help Us Stop Hunger or HUSH program has donated millions of meals since 2003. "Once a hunter is successful in their harvest and they … [Read more...]
Program provides incentives for those on food assistance to purchase fruits, vegetables
A state program that helps those on food assistance eat healthier has crossed the one-million-dollar mark in benefits given. Coordinator Aryn McClaren says the program gives what are called "Double Up Bucks" to those on food assistance when they purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. She says the … [Read more...]
Beebeetown burger named best in Iowa this year
Burgers served at a restaurant in west-central Iowa were named today as “Iowa’s Best Burger.” Hannah Johnson manages the "Twisted Tail" restaurant in Beebeetown owned by her parents, Ed and Ruth Spencer. "We were pretty excited and honored. We raise cattle for a living and have a real estate and … [Read more...]
State incentives approved for Ankeny food company
The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board has approved state incentives for a central Iowa food manufacturing company. Economic Development Authority spokesperson, Jessica O'Reilly says the board approved tax benefits for the Mrs. Clark's Food plant in Ankeny. "They are working to add … [Read more...]