Community Food Pantry has served Northeast Iowa for the past 20 years

Food pantry Social Concerns committee members from the left: Dave Pahlas, Evie Peterson, Marlene Sorenson, Jane Tollefson, Wanda Walter and Jud Barclay. Not pictured: Barb Dale, Carolyn Flaskerud, Karen Fretheim and Judy Refsell

The Community Food Pantry is a faith based ministry that has served Northeast Iowa since 1996. It is currently located at First Lutheran church and managed by the Social Concerns committee of First Lutheran. The food pantry started out serving 25 families a month and that number has increased rapidly.

Last year 6,482 clients were served. A client may come once a week if they need food for themselves or their family. The total number of family members served in 2016 was 19,732.

The food pantry currently serves eleven counties. The doors open every Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m.--3:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 6:15 p.m.--7:30 p.m.  Over 50 clients are served each day. The food pantry has had significant growth in their client population the past few years. Individuals are coming from greater distances to receive food.

The space at First Lutheran is limited. All the available space is being utilized and they are looking for a new location, a bigger space to better serve their client base. More space for display, storage and refrigeration is needed at this point.

Monday, March 13th First Lutheran will be hosting a meeting at 4:00 p.m. to discuss the current needs of the food pantry. They are hoping to find a new location in Decorah that will allow them to better serve their clients. Anyone who has volunteered or has an interest in the day to day operations is invited to attend the meeting. An invitation has been sent out to all area churches with the hopes of having a representative from each church join the board.

The food pantry is always looking for more volunteers. Volunteers are needed to work with clients in the afternoon – Spanish language skills are especially needed. They also have a crew of volunteers who help unload trucks and stock shelves. If you are interested in serving, please contact the church office at 563-382-2638.

Check out http://www.firstlutherandecorah.org/ministries/food-pantry/ website for more information on the Community Food Pantry.

Soup, tuna, beans and peanut butter are staples at the food pantry

Smaller storage area just off the main food pantry room

Downstairs storage, freezer area space

Jud Barclay schedules volunteers who meet, greet and escort clients through the food pantry