A food pantry in central Iowa that serves the most people in the state saw its busiest month in November. Bidwell Riversides Food Pantry spokesperson, Alison Hanner, says 5,891 people got food at their Des Moines location. She says there's a variety of things that put people in need. "The rising … [Read more...]
Number of turkey producers in Iowa has increased
The Executive Director of the Iowa Turkey Federation, Gretta Irwin, says the state's seen an increase in turkey producers in recent years. Iowa now has about 130 turkey farms with the majority of them comprised of second- and third-generation turkey farmers. "We have been in the top ten for many … [Read more...]
Iowa turkey producers happy to have China back on board
One week from now, families across Iowa will be gathering at the table to enjoy the taste of turkey. Gretta Irwin, executive director of the Iowa Turkey Federation, says Iowa is the nation's seventh largest producer of turkeys and the fifth largest processor. Irwin says shoppers are finding great … [Read more...]
More schools taking part in second Iowa Local Food Day
Today is the second annual Iowa Local Food Day as part of National Farm to School Month. Teresa Wiemerslage, the program coordinator through the ISU Extension, says to take part, schools must serve at least two locally-sourced items for breakfast or lunch. Local foods can include produce, meat, … [Read more...]
This year’s Iowa State Fair to feature lots of new food
The Iowa State Fair will have 50 new foods available when the gates open in August. Spokesperson Mindy Williamson says they try to add some new foods each year. "I think our highest number yet has been 42 -- so this is the most new foods we've ever had and we are super excited. Our … [Read more...]
Parts of Iowa will have to wait to see the sweet corn crop come in
Even though Wednesday was declared Sweet Corn Day in Iowa and the delicious summertime staple is starting to appear at roadside stands, many Iowans will have to wait a while longer with the boiling water, salt and butter. Mark Westrum grows the commodity near Stratford in Hamilton County and says … [Read more...]
Sweet corn season is finally here
The governor signed a proclamation naming Wednesday as "Sweet Corn Day" in Iowa as the first freshly-picked ears have started showing up. Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig says it was good to see the sweet corn finally ready to go. "Typically folks really try to hit something at market right before … [Read more...]
Dairy farm near Sioux Center uses robots to handle the work
A dairy farm in northwest Iowa is hosting an open house today to show off a unique series of robots that keep the operation running smoothly. Scott Schroeder, executive director of the Western Iowa Dairy Alliance, says the farm of John and Sharon VanderWaal near Sioux Center is one of the most … [Read more...]
World Food Prize winner focused work on growing vegetables
The 2019 World Food Prize winner does work that many people in Iowa can relate to. Simon Groot of the Netherlands is the founder and leader of East-West Seed and has helped small farmers in 60 countries learn how to expand and improve their vegetable gardens. Groot spoke about winning the … [Read more...]
Summer food program underway for school students
With another school year wrapped up, low-income Iowa youngsters who got many of their meals at school won't go hungry, thanks to the Summer Food Service Program which started this week. Dylan Lampe, a spokesman for the Food Bank of Iowa, explains why the program is so important. "Throughout the … [Read more...]