In a generous effort to fight hunger, Michael Foods has donated 84,000 pounds of pre-cooked eggs to the Food Bank of Iowa at a time when egg prices are soaring, making them less accessible to families in need.

The donation, consisting of 72 pallets of eggs, is expected to provide essential nutrition to thousands of Iowans struggling with food insecurity.

Eggs are an important source of protein, but their high cost due to inflation and supply shortages has made them difficult for food banks to acquire. The Food Bank of Iowa expressed deep gratitude for the donation, emphasizing how critical it is to have a steady supply of nutritious food for those who depend on their services.

A Much-Needed Donation at the Right Time

Egg prices have skyrocketed in recent months due to inflation, supply chain disruptions, and avian flu outbreaks that have reduced egg production nationwide. The Food Bank of Iowa has struggled to keep fresh eggs in stock, with prices reaching $6.50 per dozen, making them unaffordable for large-scale purchases.

Emily Shearer, Senior Manager of Food Acquisition and Advocacy at the Food Bank of Iowa, said in a statement:

“This significant donation could not have come at a better time. Eggs are a vital protein source, and with the rising costs, we have been unable to buy them in the quantities needed. We are incredibly grateful to Michael Foods for stepping in to help feed Iowans facing hunger.”

The donation includes varieties of pre-cooked egg patties and French toast products, commonly used in hotels and large-scale food services. These items are easy to prepare, making them ideal for food pantries and shelters serving families and individuals in need.

How Will the Eggs Be Distributed?

The Food Bank of Iowa serves 55 counties, providing food to local pantries, shelters, and meal programs. To ensure fair distribution, volunteers will repackage the eggs into smaller family-friendly portions before sending them to partner organizations.

The bank’s volunteer workforce will play a crucial role in sorting and distributing the food, ensuring that every donation reaches those who need it most. The eggs will be included in weekly food assistance packages, helping families incorporate a nutrient-rich option into their meals.

Michael Foods’ Commitment to Helping Local Communities

Michael Foods is a leading supplier of processed eggs, with operations across the country, including a plant in Norwalk, Iowa. The company has a history of supporting food security initiatives, donating surplus food to local communities whenever possible.

Mike Arndt, Senior Human Resources Manager at Michael Foods, said:

“Donating locally is important to us. This is good food, and we want to make sure it goes to people who need it most. The Food Bank of Iowa is doing incredible work, and we’re happy to support their mission.”

This is not the first time Michael Foods has made a significant contribution to fight hunger. The company has worked with food banks across the Midwest, helping distribute essential food products to families in crisis.

Challenges Due to Rising Food Prices

Eggs are not the only item affected by food price increases. The cost of meat, dairy, and fresh produce has also gone up, making it harder for food banks to supply balanced meals to those in need.

The Food Bank of Iowa has been relying more on donations from food producers, grocery stores, and community organizations to keep up with demand. As food insecurity grows, more families are turning to food banks for help.

The Impact of This Donation

With the holidays behind us and colder months ahead, the demand for nutritious food remains high. Thousands of families, children, and seniors depend on food banks not just for meals, but for survival.

This donation from Michael Foods ensures that families in Iowa will have access to a reliable protein source, helping them stay healthy and well-fed. The Food Bank of Iowa hopes that other food manufacturers and businesses will follow this example and step up to support food security efforts in their communities.

How You Can Help

The Food Bank of Iowa encourages individuals and businesses to contribute in any way they can. Whether it’s through monetary donations, volunteering, or food drives, every bit of support makes a difference.

For those who want to help:

Donate online: Contributions help food banks purchase essential groceries in bulk.

Volunteer your time: Sorting and distributing food is a critical part of the process.

Host a food drive: Encouraging businesses, schools, and community groups to collect non-perishable items can make a big impact.