With the avalanche of employment claims usurping that of The Great Depression, economic despair has become our second pandemic. Accordingly, we see the need for food assistance continue to expand as affects from layoffs and school closures ripple across our state.

More and more people are worried about paying their bills and feeding their families. You may be one. You are not alone. We are here to help. Please reach out for help. All Food Bank of Iowa pantries and distributions are listed on our website. We exist for times like this. We are here for you.

I’m reminded of Gladys whom I met in Perry, Iowa a few years ago. I visited our mobile distribution side in a church parking lot. I went up to Gladys and introduced myself.

“How are you? Are you getting what you need? How did you hear about us?” I asked Gladys. We chatted.

“Honey, you can get in line with me,” Gladys said to me.

“No Gladys, I’m here to help,” I said.

“Honey, everybody needs a little help from time to time and it’s okay. You just hop in line with me,” she said. All of us can be Gladys at one time or another. 

I know many of you want to help, but times are tight. You can serve a critical volunteer role from where you are sitting right now. Please “like” Food Bank of Iowa on Facebook. Share our important posts. By doing this, you can provide a vital role in helping us build awareness and helping us help others.

Thank you to our committed volunteers. You have helped us assemble 3,000 emergency bags and 24,000 backpacks in the last couple weeks. We couldn’t do this without you.