WEST DES MOINES — As Iowans make their meal and travel plans for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, there are many in the state who are struggling to just put food on the table. With winter weather approaching and needs increasing at food banks across the state, the America Needs Farmers $21,500 donation comes at a critical juncture.

The Iowa Food Bank Association says $21,500 would help provide more than 60,000 meals to hungry Iowans.

“This is the time of year when our food banks statewide see an increased need; we’re heading into winter and utility bills are starting to go up and with food prices also rising this year, that means food banks are critically low,” said Jordan Vernoy, director of the Food Bank Association of Iowa.