Story County food pantries had more than 73,000 visits last year, with some individuals regularly visiting food pantries to keep food on their tables. More than 1 in 4 school children (27.3%) in our county qualified for free-or-reduced price lunch this school year, the highest rate in decades. Hunger is real and food prices are on the rise. Now more than ever, our neighbors are looking for help. To address this need, United Way of Story County is holding the annual LIVE UNITED Food Drive from April 22 through May 2, 2024.
“Countywide we have seen a steady increase in need since 2016,” said Anneke Mundel, UWSC Community Impact Director. “Our local food pantries now serve an average of 6,500 visitors every month, all year round. With that kind of demand, pantries are having a hard time keeping their shelves stocked.”
Last year, with over 100 collection sites, Story County community members helped collect over 21,000 pounds of food and more than $19,000, which was distributed to 19 emergency food programs in Ames, Cambridge, Colo, Huxley, Maxwell, McCallsburg/Zearing, Nevada, Slater/Sheldahl and Story City. Many of the pantries purchase food from the Food Bank of Iowa for a reduced rate, which stretches the cash donations even further. Last year’s drive was the largest amount ever raised in both pounds and dollars during the two week drive. “While there was a slight decline in need during the pandemic, food insecurity has since redoubled,” said Mundel. “Community support is essential, now more than ever.”
Local agencies and organizations spread all across Story County and on Iowa State’s campus, have partnered with UWSC to serve as collection sites for donations again this year. For a complete list of participating organizations, a list of needed items for the food pantries, and more information, visit http://www.uwstory.org/fooddrive.