Alliant Energy’s Rural Hunger Initiative

The answer may be closer to home than you expect. One in 14 people in Iowa and Wisconsin struggle with food insecurity. In rural communities, the rate is even higher.

It takes collaboration and innovation to address hunger challenges. No one person or community should have to handle this alone.

The Alliant Energy Foundation listened. We met with food organization partners in Iowa and Wisconsin to ask how we could help meet the specific needs of rural communities.

The Alliant Energy Rural Hunger Initiative was developed to help support partner organizations' programs to fight rural hunger in Iowa and Wisconsin.

These community partners saw a need for food pantries for students and veterans. The Alliant Energy Foundation is supporting them as they create safe, convenient community spaces.

In some locations, this support will offer a boost to existing pantries. In others it will help reach communities that currently do not have access to food pantries.

The Alliant Energy Foundation is supporting food bank partners as they develop partnership agreements to bring fresh proteins, like beef or pork, from agricultural partners to hungry neighbors. The partnered food banks agree to purchase products from local farmers at predetermined quantities and unit prices. Farmers then agree to make the products available to the food banks. 

Farmers and processors interested in the program can learn more about the partnership opportunity and details by contacting either Gretchen Nollman, Food Sourcing Manager at River Bend Food Bank at (563) 345-6490, ext. 2010, or Becca Huber, Food Sourcing Manager at Northeast Iowa Food Bank at (319) 304-9040.

These partners recognize the unique circumstances that affect rural communities. They are exploring options to help people shop locally.

Alliant Energy is supporting work on an innovative system that would use prepaid debit cards to support businesses in rural communities and fill a gap for those unable to benefit from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).

Hunger and housing is one of the Alliant Energy Foundation’s giving focus areas. Giving in this area strives to help move people out of hunger and housing insecurity. The Alliant Energy Foundation supports local programs focused on food and nutrition, clothing and household needs, and housing and shelter.