Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 104,584 households in Iowa are food insecure. Food pantries help to meet the need for food when individuals are not eligible for or aware of Food Assistance, or Food Assistance is inadequate to meet their food needs. In 2001, more than 23 million people in the United States depended on food pantries, emergency food kitchens, and shelters to meet their daily food needs. More than half of the 24,000 emergency food agencies surveyed in 2001 reported an increase in the number of individuals served since 1998 (America’s Second Harvest, 2002). Iowa has experienced a similar increase. The Iowa Department of Human Services reported 1.4 million requests for emergency services in 2003, almost twice the number of requests reported in 2000 and a 54 percent increase over the number of requests reported in 2002 (IDHS, 2004).

Response:
Farmington, Iowa, is a participant in the Northwest Area Foundation’s Horizons Program, which develops community leadership and works to reduce poverty in communities with populations below 5,000 and a poverty rate above 10%. Farmington meets the Horizons criteria with a population of 756 and a poverty rate of 12.8%. (2000 Census). Beginning in September 2008, ISU Extension facilitated Farmington’s active involvement in Horizons activities including Study Circles, an Action Forum, and Leadership Plenty training. During this time, community members identified and prioritized needs of the community and then formed committees to take action on the ideas. One of the concerns that became apparent during the process was the need for a food pantry in Farmington.

Impact:
The Farmington Horizons committee used their leadership skills to research the possibility of a food pantry in Farmington. The committee faced many roadblocks in the beginning. At first, they encountered difficulty finding a facility for the pantry. They looked at many different buildings and locations but usually the cost was prohibitive. Finally, the local bank volunteered the use of part of their building for the pantry. The steering committee then worked with local volunteer and youth groups to serve as staff for the pantry and collect canned goods for the shelves. The steering committee then received a private donation of $5,000 and the committee is now working with other food pantries and non-profit agencies to expand their resources. The pantry is open one day a week and serves approximately 40 families each month.

Additional ISUE Extension Staff:
Sandy McLain, County Extension Education Director - Van Buren County

Additional Team Members or Community Partners:
Farmington Arts Council, Farmington City Council, Boys Scouts of Farmington

Contact:
Mary M. Weinand
Henry County Extension
127 Main Street
Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641
319-385-8126
mweinand@iastate.edu