West Liberty Foods receives childcare grant

The U.S. is facing a childcare crisis as childcare is unaffordable for 63% of parents, according to Forbes. Iowa is looking to change that by offering the Child Care Business Incentive Grant for businesses to build or expand upon on-site or local childcare centers.

Emma Cottrell

September 25, 2022

One of the recipients of the award is protein processor, West Liberty Foods, which received $750,000 to double the capacity of the West Liberty Child Care Center from 48 to 96.

“Not only do today’s awards help employers create or expand childcare for existing workers, but they also enhance their ability to be successful in attracting and retaining new employees,” said Beth Townsend, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “Our focus moving forward must remain on addressing these specific types of barriers to provide options for families and create an environment where the local workforce can thrive.”

West Liberty Foods is certified under Social Accountability International’s SA8000 standard – the world’s leading worker treatment certification – which assesses areas like working hours, health and safety, and discrimination.

In total, $26.6 million was awarded to 67 Iowan employers with the expectation of creating approximately 1,786 childcare slots. Grant applications are still open until 11:59 a.m. October 17, 2022.

Iowa’s Child Care Task Force

The grant was proposed by Iowa’s Child Care Task Force which has also suggested tax exemption for childcare construction building materials and a tax credit program for businesses that purchase childcare slots.

“Iowa businesses know that access to quality childcare is a major factor in employees’ ability to work,” said Governor Kim Reynolds. “These awards will support and incentivize employer investment in childcare resources on-site or through community partnerships and strengthen our efforts to provide high quality childcare throughout the state of Iowa.”