To kick of the 2012 World Food Prize in Des Moines, the 6th annual Iowa Hunger Summit took place. The summit brings attention to issues related to hunger, poverty and malnutrition and is the largest gathering of hunger related organizations based in Iowa. During the luncheon portion of the event, Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad designated October 16 as Dr. Norman E. Borlaug World Food Prize Day.

In addition, a new initiative was announced by Ambassador Kenneth Quin, President of the World Food Prize, called the Iowa Hunger Directory. This program will provide a year-round extension of the Hunger Summit and a vehicle for organizations and individuals to participate in hunger efforts.

“We want to create a comprehensive listing of Iowa organizations combating hunger at home and abroad,”said Quinn during the event. “We know there are dynamic organizations and dedicated people who are working diligently fighting hunger throughout the state and around the world and we want to facilitate their collaboration and connectivity. Also, this will allow us to collect more accurate information on their efforts.”

Between October 2011 and October 2012, over 26 million pounds of food were donated to the fight against hunger in Iowa. The Iowa Hunger Summit is sponsored by Iowa Farm Bureau and FBL Financial Group.

View the World Food Prize Photo Album here.