October is National Hunger Action Month, a time to recognize that even a temporary hardship can leave local families struggling to put food on the table. In Story County, many neighbors simply need short-term support to navigate a difficult stretch, just like Tara. When her school-year income paused for the summer, her family had to stretch her husband’s paycheck to cover every expense, relying on community resources to bridge the gap until work resumed in the fall.
This is where United Way of Story County’s (UWSC) partners like Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) come in. They provide financial assistance, family development, early childhood education, and health programs. By helping Iowans access health care, housing, and nutrition, their goal is to help families work toward stability, security, and success.
For Tara’s family of nine, the most vital service offered by MICA is the emergency food pantry, a program UWSC has invested in for years. Making sure each family member has access to nutritious food quickly becomes a struggle on a limited budget. Having these resources available greatly reduces stress for Tara while helping her family manage their finances more effectively. The emergency food pantry is designed to help Story County residents put food on the table when times are tight, while also providing other essentials such as hygiene and cleaning products.
Tara has been receiving aid from MICA off and on for the past 16 years. When she had her first child, they went through WIC, who introduced them to MICA. During these seasons of needing assistance, Tara has continuously appreciated the support from Jodie, the Family Development Worker. “She’s been really cool and honest. I’ve been able to tell her exactly how it is,” she said.
Having access to MICA transformed Tara’s perspective on community support. Moving from initial anxiety about being judged to finding comfort in MICA’s welcoming atmosphere, she now knows it is a place where she will always be heard. As Tara shared, “They’re here to support you regardless of whatever you need.”
UWSC is proud to work alongside organizations like MICA to create lasting change across our region. Beyond supporting MICA’s emergency food pantry, UWSC collaborates with them through our Hunger Collaboration, coordinates annual food drives to keep pantry shelves stocked, and publishes countywide food assistance guides to ensure every resident can access the basic needs they deserve.
Tara shared how excited she is to be able to give back to MICA once the school year begins. When their finances even out, and they no longer need the assistance, her family can turn around and continue uplifting the organization that helped support them. By investing in community like Tara, we are able to build a stronger Story County together.