“It’s an us effort”

“The most important thing to do is feed the children.” That’s Denise Townsend speaking, school counselor at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Newton.

Her school pantry, stocked by Food Bank of Iowa, helps Denise carry out the important task of feeding children every day. 

“When we see kids come to school hungry, it just breaks my heart,” she shares. “I want the basic needs of everybody met.”  

At the school pantry, Denise explains, “parents can come in any day during the school week and get what they need.” With her colleagues (pictured), Denise keeps the pantry running, records what’s taken and orders more food. Then, every Friday, Food Bank of Iowa’s truck delivers. Schools never pay a fee for food or delivery, thanks to generous donor support. 

Since 2023, Denise has streamlined the pantry’s process to make sure families receive needed items, like meat, produce and dairy, at an accessible time and place. 

“This is a job I don’t do alone…it’s an us effort,” she shares. “It’s neighbors helping neighbors, all the way to the custodian breaking down the boxes.” 

If you feel called to get involved, Denise encourages you to follow that instinct.  

“It fills a need in us, to be helpful,” she says. 

Like Denise, you can tap into the power of service and help create a hunger-free Iowa!