The Iowa Egg Council and Fareway Stores, Inc., will deliver a full truckload of eggs to the Food Bank of Iowa this Thursday, January 19, at 11:00 a.m., for distribution to every food bank serving Iowa. The eggs will provide a wholesome source of protein for Iowans struggling with hunger throughout the state.

The donation is the result of a campaign partnering Fareway and the Iowa Egg Council during the holiday season. Every time a customer purchased two dozen eggs at any Iowa Fareway location between December 19 and December 24, it triggered an automatic donation of one dozen eggs to Iowa food banks. The campaign aimed to give back to individuals who are food insecure in the communities where Iowa egg farmers live and serve.

“We are proud to partner with Fareway on this promotion to help Iowa’s food banks by providing eggs, an economical protein and essential ingredient,” said Katie Nola, Director of Consumer Affairs with the Iowa Egg Council.

According to the Iowa Egg Council, eggs are one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune function. Additionally, eggs provide an essential nutrient for fetal development, cell and eye health, and contain 13 essential vitamins and minerals.

“We encouraged customers to purchase two dozen eggs of any brand during the campaign period,” said Jeff Borrill, Senior Vice President of Fareway. “Iowa’s food banks will directly benefit from the customer’s purchase with a matching donation of 21,600 dozen eggs.”

Donations of eggs from individuals are rare, so food banks rely on donations from egg producers, wholesalers, and retailers, along with bulk purchasing, to provide a supply for their clients.

“We strive to provide the best balance of nutritional foods to our partners and our clients,” said Michelle Book, President & CEO of Food Bank of Iowa. “This generous partnership between Iowa’s egg producers and Fareway Stores has provided us with a wonderful donation of healthful food that will make a difference for our neighbors in need. We are very grateful for their help and partnership.”

The eggs will be distributed to the members of the Iowa Food Bank Association: Food Bank of Iowa, Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Food Bank for the Heartland, HACAP Food Reservoir, River Bend Foodbank, Food Bank of Southern Iowa, Food Bank of Siouxland, and St. Stephen’s Food Bank.