Like many families across Iowa these days, Willa struggles to afford food.

She receives some disability assistance, but after paying her rent, utilities and car insurance, she only has $75 to spend on groceries — for the entire month!

With help from her local food pantry, Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) near Ames, Willa is able to feed her grandkids “balanced meals” that are “nutritious” instead of processed foods.

Her grandson, Donovan, 7, lives with her and she often cares for her three other grandchildren, too, who range in age from 1 to 8.

“I don’t think we could survive without MICA and Food Bank of Iowa,” she says. “We wouldn’t get three meals a day.”

Having spent most of her life as a chef, first in the Army, and later as a Banquet Chef at a Holiday Inn, Willa understands the importance of good nutrition. She has heartfelt words of thanks for you as a generous Food Bank supporter.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” she says. “I want [you] to know how much [you’re] helping. It’s like Manna from Heaven.

“Don’t stop doing what you’re doing,” she adds. People needed help before the pandemic and are going to need it after.”

On behalf of struggling families across Iowa, thank you for partnering with us to provide the nutritious food our neighbors need now and all summer long!