The Alliant Energy Foundation has raised $550,000 to support programs combating hunger and food insecurity across Iowa and Wisconsin, marking the largest donation in the 19-year history of its annual Drive Out Hunger event.
The funds will be distributed to seven regional food banks, five of which serve Iowa communities where Alliant Energy provides service. Iowa recipients include HACAP Food Reservoir, Food Bank of Iowa, Northeast Iowa Food Bank, River Bend Food Bank and Food Bank for the Heartland. The remaining funds will support Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.
These organizations collectively serve more than 100 counties across both states.
Since its inception, Drive Out Hunger has raised nearly $7 million for hunger relief, providing over 30 million meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity. The golf event and signature fundraiser, held annually during Hunger Action Month in September, connects Alliant Energy’s business partners nationwide to local hunger relief programs.
This year’s record fundraising total will support mobile food pantry programs, particularly in rural and underserved areas across Iowa and Wisconsin. These mobile units bring food directly to communities lacking permanent food bank infrastructure, expanding access for families in need.
Funds will also purchase trucks and equipment enabling food banks to rescue surplus food from farms and retailers while delivering fresh and shelf-stable items to partner agencies, schools and pantries throughout the service area.
“We are proud of the significant support we are able to provide to local food banks in collaboration with business partners from around the country,” said Aimee Davis, Alliant Energy Foundation Board Chair. “These investments improve logistics and expand the reach of food banks across the communities Alliant Energy serves in Iowa and Wisconsin.”
During Hunger Action Month, Alliant Energy employees volunteered at mobile food pantries and food packing events across the region.
The Alliant Energy Foundation, funded by Alliant Energy shareowners, has contributed more than $76 million to nonprofit organizations since 1998. Hunger and housing represent a key giving area for the foundation, alongside workforce readiness, environmental stewardship and community safety and engagement.
Alliant Energy Corporation provides regulated energy service to approximately 1 million electric and 430,000 natural gas customers across Iowa and Wisconsin.
