Decatur County Food Pantry

March 7, 2010 — Decatur County Food Pantry

 

Many people in Decatur County struggle on a daily basis with hardships due to the changes in Iowa’s economy. The Lamoni Food Pantry, housed at the United Methodist Church, is a community effort to respond to those needs.

Because of apportionment dollars given, the pantry received a Matthew 25 grant for 2010 to purchase a new freezer to expand its food program. They get meat through the Food Bank of Iowa, and several local families have donated additional meat.  

The grant also helped to purchase a refrigerator to store perishable foods and supported improvements to the pantry, including painting and new shelving. Now each family can "shop" for themselves and maintain their personal dignity. They select the items (fruits, vegetables, pastas, etc.) that best meet the needs of their families, instead of having the pantry volunteers pick for them.

The food pantry usage has grown each month. Pastor Jodi Rushing offers this word of appreciation: “We thank all those who have faithfully paid their apportionments and want them to know that the monies used for our Matthew 25 grant are being used to feed the hungry, both spiritually and physically.”