Fareway Donates 69K Pounds Of Ham To Iowa Food Banks

Donation will help feed those facing food insecurity across the state.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Fareway Stores, a grocery chain based in Johnston, Iowa, has donated more than 69,000 pounds of ham - totaling 5,504 hams - to three food banks in the state to help feed those facing food insecurity. The donation includes premium products like classic half-size hams, spiral hams, and full-size carver hams, and will be distributed through the Food Bank of Iowa, Siouxland Food Bank, and River Bend Food Bank.

Why it matters

This donation from Fareway helps address food insecurity in Iowa, providing high-quality, protein-rich food to families in need during the winter months. As a major grocer in the state, Fareway's commitment to supporting local food banks and hunger relief efforts is an important contribution to the community.

The details

Fareway's donation of over 69,000 pounds of ham will be distributed as follows: 60% to the Food Bank of Iowa, 20% to Siouxland Food Bank, and 20% to River Bend Food Bank. The hams include premium products typically enjoyed at family gatherings and holiday meals. Fareway representatives, including executives and outreach specialists, attended the announcement event hosted by the Food Bank of Iowa.

  • Fareway announced the donation on February 4, 2026.

The players

Fareway Stores

A grocery chain based in Johnston, Iowa that donated the 69,000 pounds of ham to food banks.

Food Bank of Iowa

The food bank that will receive 60% of Fareway's ham donation and hosted the announcement event.

Siouxland Food Bank

The food bank that will receive 20% of Fareway's ham donation.

River Bend Food Bank

The food bank that will receive 20% of Fareway's ham donation.

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What they’re saying

“Fareway is deeply committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality food, and we are proud to work alongside our food bank partners to ensure these nutritious products reach Iowans who need them most.”

— Jeff Cook, VP of retail market operations at Fareway Stores (theshelbyreport.com)

“We're beyond grateful to Fareway for this extraordinary donation. This generous and unexpected gift of high-quality, delicious protein will fill more than 276,000 plates for Iowans facing hunger. This is yet another example of Fareway's commitment to hunger relief and its mission to Lead with Love. On behalf of more than 5,500 families who will receive these hams, thank you.”

— Tami Nielsen, CEO of the Food Bank of Iowa (theshelbyreport.com)

“This remarkable donation from Fareway ensures that families throughout Siouxland will have access to nutritious, high-value protein during the coldest months of the year. Their leadership and commitment to fighting hunger directly strengthens the food banks serving our state, and we are proud to be part of this collaborative effort.”

— Jacob Wanderscheid, Executive director of the Food Bank of Siouxland (theshelbyreport.com)

“We are grateful to Fareway for their continued partnership with River Bend Food Bank. Their generous donation of hams again this year strengthens our ability to provide nutritious food to families across our community. We appreciate Fareway's longstanding support and their dedication to helping our neighbors in need.”

— Chris Ford, President and CEO of River Bend Food Bank (theshelbyreport.com)

The takeaway

Fareway's donation of over 69,000 pounds of high-quality ham to Iowa food banks demonstrates the grocery chain's ongoing commitment to supporting hunger relief efforts and ensuring families in need have access to nutritious, protein-rich foods, especially during the winter months when food insecurity can be more acute.