More food and donations will be needed to meet demand

On a brisk winter morning, a young mother stands quietly in line at a local food pantry. Her toddler clings to her legs, cheeks rosy from the cold. She never imagined she would be here, but rising costs, reduced hours, and unexpected bills forced an impossible choice: pay rent or buy groceries. Today, she chose food.

At HACAP Food Reservoir, we know her story is not unique. Every day, families across Eastern Iowa face similar struggles. More than 54,000 individuals rely on food pantries in our region. That reality makes our mission clear: the neighbor is at the center of everything we do. Every decision, the food we purchase, the programs we design, the grants we pursue, starts with one question: How can we best serve the people standing in that line?

In 2025, we distributed 11,804,384 pounds of food, up from 10,385,955 pounds in 2024. That growth reflects both rising need and our commitment to healthier options. We provided 320,000 more pounds of fresh produce because good nutrition matters. Through the Healthy Kids Iowa Program, we delivered more than 613,000 pounds of food to families with children, helping ensure kids have the nourishment they need to thrive.

Looking ahead to FY2026 (Oct. 1)

We anticipate serving even more neighbors. In FY2025, we served just under 55,000 individuals, up from 46,000 in FY2024. Economic pressures and uncertainty within the social safety net continue to push families toward food pantries as a vital lifeline.

Although we brought in 616,734 more pounds of food this past year, it was not enough to meet growing demand. To keep pace, we must increase both purchasing and donations as USDA Foods availability continues to fluctuate. Strong partnerships with public officials and private supporters will be critical. Keeping food banks and food pantries at decision-making tables ensures the voices of our neighbors are heard.

Behind every number is a real person making a difficult choice. It is not easy to ask for help or to stand in line. But thanks to our donors, volunteers, and partners, we offer more than food — we offer dignity, hope, and the assurance that no one must face hunger alone.

Angie Albright is assistant director and Aron Brecht is Community Food Systems manager at HACAP.