Donate groceries, money and time this holiday season to fight hunger

The giving season is here, and with it comes the continuing challenge to feed hungry people right here in Johnson County.

Food insecurity lives near us, whether we realize it or not. CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank has been helping feed the hungry locally for more than 40 years. This year, its expanded Food Bank will distribute 1.98 million pounds of food to more than 18,000 of our neighbors, up 44% from 2022. Countywide coordination with grocers and restaurants helps to maximize resources. Mobile pantries deliver to families who can’t get to the Food Bank.

It is a monumental effort, but it falls far short of addressing the need. Current donations allow CommUnity to give a family about 37 pounds of food per week, far less than a full 200-pound shopping cart. Post-pandemic cuts in assistance programs and inflation place additional stress on these families.

This giving season, we need your help. You can donate groceries at the Pepperwood Plaza location or mail us a check to buy in your behalf. Sign up online at www.builtbycommunity.org for a volunteer shift and read about the comprehensive array of other support services.

Patti Walden

Iowa City