CommUnity Food Pantry at Pepperwood

Changes in response to COVID:

• More food provided at each visit
• Expanded service hours in the Food Bank
• New grocery delivery service in partnership with area non-profits

Benefits of new satellite site:

• Providing a larger space so that clients can stay safely distanced in the new location
• Return to “client choice,” allowing clients to select their own items
• Serving as a warm, safe atmosphere during the cold, winter months while clients select their groceries

Volunteer in the food bank

Since the start of the pandemic, we have implemented many changes
to how we provide services. In order to maintain social distancing among clients, volunteers, and staff, we began providing pre-packaged bags of food. We also launched a food delivery program in partnership with other area non-profits. Through this program, we deliver free groceries to Johnson County residents.

These adjustments have been critical to our continued operation, however, our goal is to return to full service. That’s why we’re opening a second site for the Food Bank.

Providing the option for clients to select all of their items makes a big difference. Many of our clients rely on the Food Bank for weekly groceries for their families. While we do our best to provide options for folks receiving pre-packed bags, they may not meet 100% of the unique dietary needs of every individual.

We will be able to bring back more of our volunteers, providing plenty of PPE and maintaining at least 6 feet of distance between everyone in the building.

This transition to a new building will be especially important during the winter months, giving clients a warm building to enter while they select their groceries.

The new site will be located in Pepperwood Plaza in the South District of Iowa City.

Despite the many limitations created by the pandemic, for the second year in a row, we had a record year. We distributed 2,208,774 lbs. of food. We expect this need to continue to increase with the economic impacts of the pandemic.

We are pleased to be here to provide for this need, and hope you’ll be able to join us in this new endeavor.

We are grateful for your support and wish wellness to you and your loved ones.