Food insecurity on the rise in Iowa

About a third more Iowans faced food insecurity in 2020, largely a result of the pandemic, according to information released this week from the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Why it matters: The data indicates the problem now affects families of many economic levels.

By the numbers: There were 17 million more Americans experiencing food insecurity as a result of the pandemic, according to Feeding America estimates.

• An estimated 405,100 Iowans struggled with hunger in 2020, up by 19% compared to the previous year, according estimates the group released this week.
• About 147,000 kids are included in Iowa’s 2020 estimate.

Flashback: Iowa was making progress in its war against hunger prior to the pandemic.

What’s next: Existing strategies include increasing supplemental food programs at both state and local levels.

• Polk County has also developed new software to help eliminate massive amounts of food waste.

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