Waterloo Times

The Iowa Hunger Summit addresses systemic issues in food access in the state. 

2021’s Hunger Summit is the 15th summit that takes place yearly in Iowa.

"I hope you leave the Iowa Hunger Summit ready to partner with others and answer the call to action," the Iowa Hunger Summit said in a post to its Twitter account on Sept. 1. "The call to end food insecurity by 2030 is real and we only have 9 growing seasons left!"

This year’s summit focused on transformations within the food systems in Iowa and the changes needed in order to end hunger and food insecurity in the state, as well a the root causes of hunger, according the summit's website. The event took place virtually and only lasted a day. 

Food providers were allowed to discuss how they have adapted to the difficulties presented during the last year, including natural disasters as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, Iowa Public Radio reported. The event is organized by the World Food Prize Foundation, and it was attended by people from around the world. 

Representatives from community organizations, business and industry, state and local government, social agencies, churches and religious communities, schools and universities, civic clubs and social clubs were all present at Iowa Hunger Summits, according to its website.