Winneshiek County Food Pantry will not merge with First Lutheran Church Food Pantry

(decorahnews.com file photo of the First Lutheran food pantry)

First Lutheran Church in Decorah is hosting a public meeting March 13th to discuss the future of the food pantry located in the church.  The food pantry has run out of space and is considering a new location and a transition to having the food pantry be community-based.

As part of that transition, church members have contacted Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation to ask if the Winneshiek County Food Pantry, which NEICAC operates, would consider joining forces with the First Lutheran Food Pantry.

The question was discussed Monday with county supervisors.  NEICAC County Assistance Program Director David Boss pointed out that the county's food pantry is supported by Winneshiek County property taxes and is intended for Winneshiek county residents.  By contrast, information from the First Lutheran Food Pantry says it now serves clients from eleven counties.  Boss said the county food pantry verifies family income, while the church food pantry asks for family income, but does not verify it.

That led county supervisors to recommend that the Winneshiek County Food Pantry "keep operating as is."

The discussion about the future of the First Lutheran Church Food Pantry will be held at 4:00 p.m. March 13th in the Fellowship Hall of the church.