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On the first Thursday of each month, a show of camaraderie and community support is on full display at Food Bank of Iowa’s Ottumwa veteran mobile distribution. 

This special distribution for veterans began in 2022. Food Bank of Iowa also operates a monthly veterans’ mobile in Polk County, supports the annual Des Moines Homeless Veterans Stand Down, and provides pre-packed boxes of food to 20 county Veteran Service Offices throughout the state.  

Don Lewis, a Wapello County Veterans Affairs commissioner, was instrumental in launching the Ottumwa distribution and remains a faithful volunteer. 

“We wouldn’t be involved if it didn’t make a difference,” he says. 

Don and fellow volunteer and commissioner Deb Roe agree the monthly mobile pantry is a shining example of “veterans serving veterans.” Not only are the recipients veterans, but so are many of the volunteers. 

“Your friends become your family,” Deb says of the military experience. “It’s a camaraderie that just can’t be explained unless you are actually a veteran, and you have actually lived through that.” 

Thanks to friends like you, we can continue to provide nutritious food for Iowa veterans facing hunger. Thank you for sharing hope and help with our neighbors who have proudly served!