Charles City Mobile Food Pantry Returns to Regular Food Levels for January

Turnout for November’s Charles City Mobile Food Pantry was the largest ever for the one-day distribution of food to those in need.

Organizer Jen Burton says there were 438 households represented at the Floyd County Fairgrounds on November 5th, well above their normal first-Wednesday-of-the-month average of about 350 households. However, despite upping their food supply from the Northeast Iowa Food Bank (NEIFB) in anticipation of the increased demand because of the interruption of SNAP benefits at that time, they fell short of covering the entire need.

In response, the Mobile Pantry and NEIFB upped their supply to 445 households worth of food for the December 3rd distribution. But, Burton says weather kept turnout to under 300.

For the January distribution Wednesday (01.07), Burton says they’ll return to their regular levels with food for up to 350 households.

With the recent announcement that the Messiah Food Pantry in Charles City will be closing, Burton says that could impact their future numbers, but rest assured, the mobile pantry will continue.

Distribution Wednesday is from 5 to 6 pm and those coming for food are reminded that line up does not begin until 3:30 pm.

To volunteer, contact Burton at 641-220-1769.