“Together We CAN!” Food & Farming Exhibit featuring Canstruction®

The combined efforts of Iowa’s farmers and an estimated 300,000 Iowa State Fair attendees who visited a “Together We CAN!” exhibit have resulted in donations to the Iowa Food Bank Association (IFBA) valued at $43,000.

“Together We CAN!” was presented by the Iowa Food & Family Project (Iowa FFP). It showcased the awe-inspiring work of Canstruction®, the most unique food charity in the world, and creative skills of members of the Iowa Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. 

The exhibit featured 11,464 food items — mostly canned food — sculpted to create larger-than-life replicas of the Iowa State Fair butter cow (in honor of its 100th anniversary), a milk carton, market-size hog and landscape of soybeans and corn fields. At the conclusion of the fair, the food items used in the display were donated to IFBA.

Cash donations from exhibit visitors totaled $6,500 while food items used in the display were valued at $10,000. In addition, Syngenta donated $14,000 through its “Weeding Out Hunger” program and Midwest Dairy Association contributed $12,500.
 
Robert Berthusen, a soybean, corn and hay farmer near Gilman, Iowa, was the winner of a $250 Hy-Vee gift certificate for most closely guessing the actual number of food items used in sculpting the display.  A $2,500 gift was also made in his name to the Iowa Food Bank Association courtesy of the Midwest Dairy Association.

Berthusen guessed 11,470 — only 6 off from the actual. “I looked the display over and thought it was a good figure,” he said. “I feel lucky — I guess it pays to go to the Iowa State Fair!”

Food Bank of Iowa Executive Director Carey Miller said the state’s food banks were pleased to receive the substantial donation courtesy of the Iowa FFP and its partners.

“Their generous support will help us provide essential food resources to Iowans during a critical time of need,” she says. “The cash donations are especially meaningful as food banks can distribute up to $15 worth of food for each dollar donated.”

Aaron Putze, director of external relations for the Iowa Soybean Association and coordinator of the Iowa FFP, says it was a privilege to interact with so many fairgoers and extremely gratifying to observe the reaction of those visiting the display.

“People were amazed at the exhibit’s creativity, inspired by the farmers’ commitment to providing healthy food for everyone and motivated to help those struggling with hunger,” he said.

While people hold farmers in high esteem, Putze says they have thoughtful questions about farming and want to know more about the quality of their food and how it’s produced.

 “We’re extremely pleased that nearly 2,500 display visitors took the time to write questions they’d like to ask farmers,” Putze says. “We’re going to answer each one, helping inspire greater awareness, understanding and trust between farmers and consumers.”
 
In addition to Syngenta, AIA Iowa and Midwest Dairy Association, “Together We CAN!” sponsors included the Iowa Soybean Association, Hy-Vee, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa State Fair, Iowa Food Bank Association and the United Soybean Board.