The Iowa Egg Council, in partnership with Fareway, recently conducted a buy two dozen, give one dozen promotion during the holiday season.

The campaign provided eggs to Iowans struggling with hunger in communities Iowa egg farmers serve.

Iowa’s Feeding America member food banks will receive a total truckload donation containing 21,600 dozen eggs.

“We are proud to partner with Fareway on this promotion to help Iowa’s food banks by providing eggs, an economical protein and essential ingredient,” said Kevin Stiles, executive director of the Iowa Egg Council.

According to the Iowa Egg Council, eggs are one of the few foods that naturally contain vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune function. Eggs provide an essential nutrient for fetal development, cell and eye health, and contain 13 essential vitamins and minerals.

“Customers were encouraged to purchase two dozen eggs of any brand from December 9-14,” said Clint Jenkins, director of wholesale purchasing for Fareway. “Thanks to our generous customers and partnership with the Iowa Egg Council, we were able to provide a truckload donation of eggs for Iowa’s food banks.”

Donations of eggs from individuals are rare, so food banks rely on donations from egg producers, wholesalers, and retailers, along with bulk purchasing, to provide a supply for their clients.

“Eggs are one of the best tools in our work to end hunger,” said Michelle Book, president and CEO of Food Bank of Iowa. “Because of their high nutritional value and versatility, eggs can become the backbone of breakfast, lunch, or dinner for a family in need. We are thrilled by the opportunity to share these excellent eggs with our neighbors in need.”

The eggs will be distributed to the following organizations across Iowa: Food Bank of Iowa, Northeast Iowa Food Bank, Food Bank for the Heartland, Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, River Bend Foodbank, Food Bank of Siouxland, and St. Stephen’s Food Bank.