Availability

Each of our center locations have an emergency food pantry. See our Location Webpage for open days and times.

Eligibility

Our food pantries are set up to meet emergency food needs in their counties. Anyone in need of food may visit one of our centers in their county.

On your first visit a Family Development Specialist will ask you questions about your household and income. Documentation is preferred but not required. Documentation may help the specialist determine if you may be eligible for additional services.

Foods

Community Action partners with the Food Bank of Iowa and local donors to provide assistance. The kinds of foods we are able to provide and their quantity varies. Because of this we try to provide a basket of common foods and supplement with what is available. If you have a specific dietary need please let the center know and they will do what they can with what is available.

Food baskets are meant to meet emergency food needs and are not meant to last an individual or family for an entire month. Specialists may assist with referrals or resources as needed.

Some hygiene products may also be available if requested.

We accept donated items and finances from individuals, gardeners, foundations, farmers, civic groups, faith groups, and businesses. See our I Can Help Webpage for more details on donating.

Resources:

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

  1. mail:
    U.S. Department of Agriculture
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
    1400 Independence Avenue, SW
    Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
  2. fax:
    (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
  3. email:
    program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement