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Organizations Report Record Use of Food Pantries in Iowa

Dec 9, 2024 at 4:48 PM

Food assistance groups in Iowa are witnessing an unprecedented rise in the number of people seeking help. A network of 14 central Iowa food pantries served an astonishing 30,000 individuals in November, marking the highest in its 50-year history. Blake Willadsen, a spokesman for the Des Moines Area Religious Council, vividly describes the scene with a line out the door both when they open and close. Di Daniels, a board member of f SALUD!, a coalition coordinating feeding programs in Storm Lake, emphasizes the lasting impact of COVID. "COVID hit and it just blew us away and since then it feels like we are still operating in crisis mode," Daniels says. "In talking to the different organizations and churches in this arena, our numbers have doubled and tripled." Michelle Book, CEO of the Food Bank of Iowa, further highlights the growth. Since April 2022, the amount of food distributed to 55 counties' food pantries has been on the rise each month. In the last two months, an impressive 2.5 million pounds of food have been distributed each month in October and November, setting new records over the 42-year history of the Food Bank. Book and Daniels shared these insights during a weekend appearance on "Iowa Press" on Iowa PBS.

Unprecedented Growth in Iowa's Food Assistance

Record-Breaking November at Central Iowa Food Pantries

Blake Willadsen's account paints a clear picture of the bustling scene at the Des Moines Area Religious Council's food pantries. With a continuous line of people waiting from opening to closing, it showcases the immediate need. This surge in demand is not a temporary blip but a significant trend that has persisted over time.

The 50-year history of these pantries is now being rewritten with the highest number of servings in November. It highlights the evolving nature of food assistance needs in Iowa and the challenges faced by these organizations in meeting the growing demand.

The Impact of COVID on Feeding Programs in Storm Lake

Di Daniels' perspective sheds light on the lasting effect of COVID on local feeding programs. The "blow" that the pandemic dealt to these efforts is still being felt, as they continue to operate in crisis mode. The doubling and tripling of numbers among different organizations and churches in the arena emphasizes the widespread impact of the crisis on food assistance.

It shows how a global health event can have a profound and lasting influence on local communities, especially when it comes to essential services like food distribution. The efforts to recover and adapt in the face of such a challenge are truly remarkable.

Growing Food Distribution by the Food Bank of Iowa

Michelle Book's data reveals a consistent upward trend in food distribution by the Food Bank of Iowa. Since April 2022, each month has seen an increase in the amount of food reaching food pantries in 55 counties. The recent two months of 2.5 million pounds distributed each month in October and November are truly remarkable achievements.

Over 42 years, the Food Bank has built a reputation for providing essential food support. This recent growth not only meets the current needs but also sets a new benchmark for future efforts. It demonstrates the organization's ability to adapt and respond to the changing landscape of food assistance.