Iowa Hunger Summit Seeks to Nourish by Elevating Iowa’s Food Systems

In Iowa, 344,550 people face chronic hunger — that means 1 in 9 people in our state experience a diet that is persistently inadequate for their needs in quality or quantity. Included in that number are 110,500 children. With the global population skyrocketing and the effects of climate change coming to the forefront, hunger remains a pressing issue in the modern world. Now more than ever, it is imperative to address these rising problems and develop tangible solutions to combat hunger across Iowa.

We invite you to join us for the World Food Prize Foundation’s annual Iowa Hunger Summit at the Hall of Laureates on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event will gather passionate community members and esteemed leaders from across the state representing civic organizations, business and industry, state and local government, social agencies, churches and religious communities, academia and other groups that lead or participate in projects to eradicate hunger. The event is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is required. Registration is available HERE.

About the 2024 Iowa Hunger Summit in Downtown Des Moines

This year’s theme — Seeds of Nourishment: Elevating Iowa’s Food Systems — brings attention to each sector impacting the supply chain and reveals both the challenges and innovative solutions for cultivating improved food security. This event will elevate strategies for a more sustainable, hunger-free future through interactive breakout sessions, panels, keynotes, networking, exhibitors and an award ceremony.

The event will begin with a light breakfast and networking hour, allowing attendees to explore exhibit tables before morning sessions begin. Panelists and speakers will provide insight into confronting hunger and food security from various perspectives. Topics covered include “From Crop to Community: The ‘Farmer’s Almanac’ to a Food-Secure Future”, “From Surplus to Security: Ensuring Food Reaches Those in Need”, “From Country to City: Combating Food Deserts Across Iowa” and more.

Speakers include:

• Hon. Kim Reynolds | Governor of Iowa
• Jim Blessman | President, Blessman International and 2024 Iowa SHARES Award Recipient
• Kelly Garcia | Director, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
• Hon. Brian Lohse | Representative, Iowa House District 45
• Hon. Grant Menke | Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
• Melissa O'Neil | CEO, Central Iowa Shelter and Services
• Michelle Kenyon | Executive Director, Field to Family
• Chris Schwartz | Executive Director of the Iowa Food System Coalition; Black Hawk County Supervisor, Black Hawk County
• Patty Sneddon-Kisting | Executive Director, Urbandale Food Pantry; Co-Chair, United Way OpportUNITY Food Insecurity Work Group

View the full agenda HERE and a complete list of speakers HERE.

Between the morning and afternoon sessions, the Iowa Hunger Summit Luncheon will be held in the Borlaug Ballroom.

During the event, the Foundation will honor Iowa native Jim Blessman as the Recipient of the 2024 Robert D. Ray Iowa SHARES Humanitarian Award for his decades-long commitment to nourishing vulnerable populations in South Africa. Dr. Blessman’s efforts through his Iowa-based nonprofit organization, Blessman International, have made a significant global impact.

Under his leadership, Blessman International has established 400 feeding stations worldwide, constructed 11 feeding hubs, drilled 60 freshwater wells and installed 300 waterless toilet systems. Additionally, the organization’s feeding program, which started by feeding 300 children annually, now prepares and serves over 4,000,000 meals each year through a network reaching more than 50,000 people throughout Southern Africa. Through a multi-pronged approach to community upliftment, Dr. Blessman has made a tangible difference in the quality of life and prospects of countless individuals.

Whether you are a farmer, consumer, student, policymaker, nonprofit leader or entrepreneur, this event provides valuable insights into building healthier communities and resilient food systems right in your backyard.

For a schedule of events, list of speakers and more information, please visit Iowa Hunger Summit event page HERE.

There are so many fun events specific to Downtown DSM. Attend annual events like the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market, World Food & Music Festival and Holiday Promenade or find live music happening each week through the "Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.