Central Iowa’s charitable food network is bracing for another high‑demand month. The Food Bank of Iowa reported that it moved 2.7 million pounds of food across 55 counties last November and expects to distribute at least 2.5 million pounds this November, with the possibility of exceeding that figure.
Local pantries see rising need
At The Johnston Partnership, volunteers restock shelves at least three times a week. Executive director Andrea Cook says the shelves often look untouched the next day because demand is so strong. “After we’re open again tomorrow, it will all get depleted and we need the next round coming in,” Cook explained.
During the government shutdown that disrupted SNAP benefits last November, the pantry served just shy of 740 families—a record at the time. The summer months of June and August also set new highs, with roughly 800 families receiving assistance each month. “This past summer, we’ve broken it twice already,” Cook noted, adding that November is on track to surpass those numbers.
WayPoint Resources reports similar trends
WayPoint Resources in Waukee is experiencing a comparable surge. Marketing development manager Julie Lins Robeson attributes the increase to inflation and higher gas prices tightening family budgets. “People are feeling the pinch with inflation and with the higher gas prices,” she said.
WayPoint typically assists its regular client base plus about two new families each day. Recently that number has risen to three or four new families daily. “They make enough money to get by, but not enough to cover all basic necessities,” Robeson explained.
Holiday programs aim to bring relief
Both organizations have launched holiday‑season initiatives. The Johnston Partnership and WayPoint Resources offer a “gifts for kids” program, allowing donors to sponsor a family’s children, as well as a Thanksgiving food‑box program that lets families select items that meet their dietary needs. “There’s a special section that’s just Thanksgiving items. They can pick all the Thanksgiving items that are pertinent to their family’s dietary needs,” Robeson said.
Robeson emphasized that even modest contributions make a difference. “Anything you can do, any small donation, any food donation, it all helps because cumulatively this community just really gives and it makes a huge difference.”
How to help
Community members who wish to donate food or volunteer can find information on The Johnston Partnership’s website. WayPoint Resources also provides details for prospective donors and volunteers online.
With the holiday season approaching, the coordinated effort of food banks, pantries, volunteers, and donors remains essential to ensuring that families across central Iowa have reliable access to nutritious meals.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
