World Food Prize Update

A few posts back I commented on the World Food Prize. Here's the email response from the President, Ken Quinn who incidentally is a stand-up guy for responding.

His organization, however, should be funded by the good people of the State of Iowa and not the Federal Government:

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Dear Mr. Delgado,

I apologize for the delay in responding to your request. I was actually in
Ohio visiting one of my children which delayed my response.

To answer your question , the funds appropriated to our organization will be
used to create exhibits on the isssues of food and agriculture, and huger
and malnutrition. These exhibits will be part of a private/public financed
resoration of one of the most significant buildings in the state of Iowa,
the 100 year old Des Moines Public Library building.

With the prospect of this historic treasure being lost, the John Ruan
Family pledged $5million of their private funds to ensure its preservation
and begin the restoration process. The State of Iowa and Polk County are
also making another $5 million available. Once restored, the library
building will continue to be a center for educating the youth of our state
and the entire midwest as well as a museum/convocation center [open to the
public] that records the achievements of our country's great agricultural
pioneers.

We have sought to receive federal funds, already appropriated by the
Congress and designated for historic preservation and education,to assist us
with this project. The two appropriations of $1 million you referenced in
your message are funds available for utilization over a three year period.
They have not yet been drawn down by our organization or expended on the
project.

I trust the above responds to your inquiry.

Sincerely,

Kenneth M. Quinn
President