Iowa Healthiest State Initiative’s 2025 Report Advocates for Prevention to Support the Health of Iowans
The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative has released its 2025 annual report highlighting the organization’s success in addressing Iowa’s core determinants of health. In a year where Iowa ranks 43rd for exercise among adults, 31st for fruit and vegetable consumption, and has the 2nd highest age-adjusted rate of new cancer diagnosis in the country, the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative has shown the importance of focusing on prevention to build a healthier future for Iowa. In 2025:
24,628 Iowans utilized the Double Up Food Bucks program, which matches food assistance dollars 1:1 on purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables. The program created $866,251 in economic impact across the state.
42,000 students and children in Iowa were taught healthy habits tied to diet and physical activity through the 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! Program.
119,000 employees were reached by Make It OK, a mental health stigma campaign to normalize conversations about mental illness.
100 patients and families were “prescribed” fresh fruits and vegetables through the Iowa Produce Prescription Program. 80% of participants noted a large change in fruit and vegetable intake.
“When cancer and obesity rates are front of mind for many Iowans, rethinking how we approach health has never been more important,” said Iowa Healthiest State Initiative Executive Director, Jami Haberl. “Real prevention happens when our communities, schools, workplaces, and local policies make the healthy choice the easy choice. The progress we saw in 2025 shows what’s possible when we focus on the conditions that shape health in the first place."
The Iowa Healthiest State Initiative’s full annual report can be found below or at www.iowahealthieststate.com/about-us.
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The Healthiest State Initiative is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization driven by the vision that every Iowan has the opportunity to live their healthiest life. By creating awareness and integrating solutions to improve the physical, social, and mental well-being of Iowans, the organization aims to make this vision a reality. For more information, visit http://www.iowahealthieststate.com.