A Penny A Pound for the Prairie

Every pound of meat purchased through MeatIOWA helps protect Iowa's land, water, and agricultural future. Here's how your pennies make a real difference.

Our Promise to the Land

We believe that the best way to protect Iowa's future is to support the people who work the land. For every pound of meat purchased through our platform, we donate one penny directly to Iowa Land Stewardship initiatives.

It's our way of ensuring that the soil that feeds us today remains healthy for generations to come. We don't keep this money — 100% goes directly to conservation and stewardship programs.

The Math is Simple

Buy a 400-lb beef quarter = $4.00 to land stewardship
Buy a 200-lb hog = $2.00 to land stewardship
It adds up. Together, we're building something meaningful.

Real Impact

Your contributions support three critical areas of Iowa land stewardship.

Water Quality Protection

Iowa's waterways are vital to our communities. Your pennies help fund buffer strips, wetland restoration, and practices that keep nitrates and sediment out of our streams and rivers.

Soil Health Programs

Healthy soil grows healthy food. We support cover crop initiatives, no-till education, and soil health workshops that help farmers build topsoil instead of losing it.

Farmer Education

The next generation of Iowa farmers needs support. Your contributions fund sustainable agriculture education, young farmer programs, and conservation practice training.

How It Works

1

You Make a Purchase

When you buy meat through MeatIOWA, we calculate the total weight of your order. The platform adds one penny per pound as a stewardship contribution — clearly shown at checkout.

2

Funds Are Collected

Stewardship contributions are collected separately from farmer payments. We maintain a transparent accounting of all funds received and distributed.

3

Quarterly Donations

Every quarter, we donate 100% of collected stewardship funds to our partner organizations working on water quality, soil health, and farmer education across Iowa.

4

Public Reporting

We publish quarterly reports showing exactly how much was collected and where the money went. Complete transparency, because you deserve to know your impact.

Our Partners in Stewardship

We work with established Iowa conservation organizations to ensure your contributions make the biggest possible impact. Our partners have decades of experience protecting Iowa's land and water.

All partner organizations are vetted for financial transparency, proven impact, and alignment with our mission of supporting Iowa's agricultural heritage while protecting natural resources.

Partner With Us

Iowa Land Stewardship Alliance

Working to protect Iowa's soil, water, and farming communities since 1992.

Together We're Making a Difference

Every purchase adds up. Here's what the MeatIOWA community has contributed.

Total Donated to Land Stewardship
$0.00
and counting...
Updated quarterly

Stewardship FAQ

Is the penny per pound mandatory?

Yes, it's built into every purchase. We believe land stewardship should be part of every transaction that involves Iowa's agricultural land. It's a small contribution that adds up to meaningful impact.

Does this money go to MeatIOWA?

No. MeatIOWA does not keep any of the stewardship funds. 100% is donated to our partner conservation organizations. We operate the platform on separate, minimal overhead.

How do I know the money is actually donated?

We publish quarterly reports showing total funds collected and donation receipts from our partner organizations. Complete transparency is non-negotiable for us.

Can I contribute more than a penny per pound?

We're working on an option for additional voluntary contributions. For now, you can also donate directly to our partner organizations if you'd like to increase your impact.

What organizations receive the donations?

Currently, we partner with the Iowa Land Stewardship Alliance and select soil & water conservation districts across Iowa. We're always evaluating new partners who share our mission.

Ready to Eat Better & Give Back?

Every purchase supports Iowa farmers and protects Iowa land. Start shopping today.