America Needs Farmers (ANF) helps feed the hungry

The Iowa Farm Bureau teamed up with the University of Iowa, the Johnson County Crisis Center and the Iowa Food Bank Association to bring the first-ever ‘America Needs Farmers (ANF) Food Drive’ to Kinnick Stadium during the April 14 Spring Scrimmage game. The generosity of Iowa Hawkeye fans and Iowa farmers helped bring in critical cash and can donations for local and state-wide food banks.

ANF Game Day!

Saturday, Oct. 15, was a win-win for Iowa’s farmers and the University of Iowa Hawkeye football team.

The Hawks beat Big Ten rival Northwestern and Iowa farmers talked to football fans about agriculture. The farmers not only reached folks tailgating before the game, they also reached all 70,585 fans inside the stadium, including a national television audience, with the first-ever card stunt that carried an important message: America Needs Farmers.

Hours before kickoff, fans enjoyed playing tailgate toss and talking to area farmers who took a day off of their busy harvest efforts. It was their opportunity to talk to Kinnick visitors about what they do and how it helps feed, fuel and clothe the world.

“It’s important to take that ANF logo (created by former Hawkeye football coach Hayden Fry in 1985) and put a story behind it,” said Craig Lang, Iowa Farm Bureau president. He said farmers work every day, using hard work and technology to meet the always-growing demands for food and energy.

For more information, go to www.americaneedsfarmers.org.

Written by Joe Murphy and Heather Lilienthal