Surging Demand Challenges Central Iowa Food Pantry's Ability to Serve

The Perry Area Food Pantry in central Iowa is facing a significant increase in daily visitors, forcing its leaders to consider changing their distribution model to meet the growing need. The pantry, which typically sees between 16 and 26 visitors on its slowest days, was overwhelmed last Thursday when it served 46 different households, making it difficult to maintain inventory. This surge in demand has been linked to the closure of the Tyson pork packing plant, one of the city's largest employers, as well as the shuttering of at least five other local businesses since June.

Feeding the Hungry: A Growing Challenge in Central Iowa

Unprecedented Demand Strains Local Food Pantries

The Perry Area Food Pantry is not the only local organization struggling to keep up with the rising need for food assistance. Other food pantries in the area are also reporting record-breaking demand. The Des Moines Area Religious Council, for instance, assisted 28,047 unique individuals in July, the highest monthly total in the nearly 50-year history of the network. Similarly, Waukee Christian Services saw a 30% increase in the number of people served in July 2024 compared to July 2023, marking a new record month. The Urbandale Food Pantry also reported one of its highest months on record in July, with a 75% average increase in people seeking its services since the pandemic began.

Adapting to Meet the Challenge: Changing Distribution Models

If the current trend of increasing demand continues, the Perry Area Food Pantry may be forced to change how it distributes food to its visitors. Currently, the pantry allows people to choose what they take home from the shelves, similar to a grocery store experience. This method, according to Pantry Manager Lou Hoger, helps to reduce food waste and provides visitors with a sense of dignity. However, if the demand continues to rise, the pantry may switch to a packing and pick-up model, where groceries are selected and packed for people without input from those taking the food home. Hoger believes this model would allow the pantry to distribute food more quickly and efficiently, ensuring that more individuals and families in need can be served.

The Importance of Community Support

As the Perry Area Food Pantry and other local organizations work to meet the growing demand for food assistance, the support of the community will be crucial. Hoger has emphasized that monetary donations are the most helpful, as they allow the pantry to purchase the specific items it needs to meet the changing needs of its visitors. Food donations can also be dropped off at the pantry's location on Willis Avenue, but Hoger notes that financial contributions provide the greatest flexibility in responding to the evolving situation.

A Resilient Community Comes Together

The challenges faced by the Perry Area Food Pantry and other local organizations are a testament to the economic hardships that have impacted the community. The closure of the Tyson pork packing plant and the subsequent shuttering of several other businesses have left many residents struggling to make ends meet. However, the community's willingness to come together and support those in need is a testament to its resilience and compassion. As the demand for food assistance continues to grow, the people of central Iowa will need to draw on these strengths to ensure that no one is left behind.