For the past 15 years, the Midtown Family Community Center's Food Pantry has been a beacon of hope for residents in downtown Sioux City. As the demand for their services continues to grow, this essential resource has become a lifeline for countless families, providing nourishment and support one meal at a time.

Nourishing the Community, One Bag at a Time

A Lifeline for the Hungry

The Midtown Food Pantry operates on the second Friday and last Thursday of each month, drawing a steady stream of cars to its location at the intersection of Pierce and 12th Street. Janet King, the pantry's organizer, has witnessed the dramatic increase in need over the years. "I started doing this 15 years ago, and at our Friday pantry at 3 p.m., I was doing 36 families. For our Thursday morning pantry, I was doing 125 families then. Now we're up to over 500 at both," she shares, highlighting the growing demand for their services.The pantry's drive-thru model ensures a smooth and efficient distribution process, with volunteers working tirelessly to pack and distribute the bags of food. King keeps meticulous records, tracking the number of individuals and families served, as well as the composition of each household. "We get bags of food based on household size," she explains. "Each bag varies, and we don't ask for any proof or verification if you are in need. If you get in line, then we're gonna go ahead and we're gonna give you food."

A Community of Givers

The Midtown Food Pantry's success is a testament to the generosity and dedication of its volunteers. King's own family, as well as missionaries from the Mormon Church of the Latter-Day Saints and individuals who have benefited from the pantry's services, all come together to ensure the smooth operation of this vital resource.One such volunteer, Charles Timmons, moved to Sioux City in 2018 and found himself in need of the pantry's services. "I started helping Janet because I ran into Janet because they needed someone to help an elderly lady to her car. So ever since then, I've been coming, coming here," he shares. Timmons now finds joy in giving back, recognizing the importance of the pantry's work. "People are down in hard times, and you get to be a blessing," he says.

More Than Just Food

The Midtown Family Community Center's commitment to the community extends beyond the food pantry. On Saturdays, they offer a free meal from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., providing an additional opportunity for residents to access nourishing food and fellowship.The pantry's impact goes beyond just filling empty stomachs; it creates a welcoming environment for those in need. "If you get in line, then we're gonna go ahead and we're gonna give you food," says King, emphasizing the pantry's inclusive and non-judgmental approach.

A Lifeline in Challenging Times

As the cost of living continues to rise and economic uncertainty looms, the Midtown Food Pantry has become an essential resource for many families in Sioux City. The pantry's ability to adapt and expand its services to meet the growing demand is a testament to the resilience and compassion of the Midtown community."I was one of the people that grew up without food. So that's why I do it. I want to make sure everybody goes to bed with something in their stomach," says King, reflecting on her personal motivation to ensure that no one in her community goes hungry.The Midtown Food Pantry's impact extends far beyond the distribution of food; it is a symbol of hope, a beacon of support, and a testament to the power of community in times of need. As the demand for their services continues to grow, the dedicated team at Midtown remains steadfast in their mission to nourish and uplift the lives of those they serve.