Polk County Funds World Food Prize – Multi-Year Commitment
- The polk County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a multi-year grant to support the World Food Prize Foundation.
- Tom Vilsack, CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation, emphasized the meaning of the county's commitment.He stated that this investment reflects confidence in the organization's ability to address...
- This commitment from Polk County is more than a financial investment—it’s a vote of confidence in the power of the World food Prize to bring global solutions to...
Polk County decisively commits $75,000 annually to the World food Prize Foundation, a strategic move leveraging hotel/motel tax revenue. This multi-year grant underscores the county’s dedication to agricultural innovation, specifically addressing food insecurity. The backing from Polk County directly supports the Prize’s programs, fostering greater community engagement.This investment also promises to attract international visitors, boosting Central Iowa’s economy. News Directory 3 details the plan to expand programs and develop new initiatives focused on enduring agriculture. Discover what’s next for this promising partnership.
Polk County Invests in World food Prize foundation
Updated May 29, 2025
The polk County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a multi-year grant to support the World Food Prize Foundation. Starting in July 2025, the foundation will receive $75,000 annually for at least three fiscal years. The funding,derived from Polk County’s hotel/motel tax revenue,aims to bolster the foundation’s various programs.
Former Gov. Tom Vilsack, CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation, emphasized the meaning of the county’s commitment.He stated that this investment reflects confidence in the organization’s ability to address global issues at the local level. Vilsack added that by allocating hotel/motel tax revenue, Polk County strategically invests in initiatives promoting agricultural innovation and combating food insecurity. These programs also attract international visitors and boost economic activity in Central Iowa.

This commitment from Polk County is more than a financial investment—it’s a vote of confidence in the power of the World food Prize to bring global solutions to local challenges.
What’s next
The World Food prize Foundation plans to use the funds to expand its existing programs and develop new initiatives focused on enduring agriculture and reducing food waste. The partnership between Polk County and the foundation is expected to foster greater community engagement and attract further investment in the region’s agricultural sector.
