A MOTHER GIVING BACK Northeast Iowa - A COMMUNITY STEPPING UP
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39
Years Serving
Northeast Iowa
A MOTHER A COMMUNITY
GIVING BACK STEPPING UP
Community member helps It takes many people to
build a foundation be pieces of the puzzle
(More on pg. 3) (More on pg. 6)
SUMMER 2021
From The Director
What is next?
Our team has pulled together this last year to make a difference in so
many ways. We raised awareness to the issue of food insecurity and
hunger and responded in ways that two years ago would have not Our Staff
Barb Prather, Executive Director
been imaginable. We continue to ensure that people who need food Alisha Rulapaugh, Director of Engagement
have access to it. Your support and partnership are so appreciated Michelle Sullivan, Director of Impact
through this journey and have helped us make this happen.
Kaytlyn Anzivino, Grant & Storytelling Coordinator
Four years ago, we announced that we had a goal to Close the Meal Jordan Barrow, Culinary Programs Coordinator
Gap in northeast Iowa. Later this summer our stats on this goal Shannon Bass, Partner Capacity Manager
Dan Bohnker, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
will be released, however despite the pandemic we have made great
Angie Boreman, Director of Human Resources
strides on this goal. While continuing to meet the need that is in Jeff Bowman, Driver/Warehouse
front of us, we have identified longer term priorities that we are Devin Davis, Receiving & Inventory Coordinator
starting to work towards. They include: Jeff Eastman, Warehouse
Susan Entriken, Community Outreach Manager
• Addressing situational and chronic hunger by ensuring Jared Feigenbaum, Community Events Manager
people have access to food no matter where they live in Jim Flood, Warehouse Foreman
Carlin French, Technology Services Manager
northeast Iowa Stephanie Graham, Admin Assistant
• Evolve our food distribution by maintaining and growing Brent Groomes, Warehouse
partnerships that will enable us to provide services and re Tia Gutierrez, Partner Capacity Supervisor
sources to those we serve Nikki Hahn, Culinary Programs Manager
• Leveraging legislation by continuing and growing our Dan Hofer, Partner Capacity Coordinator
Melissa Hicok, Financial Controller
advocacy efforts Becca Huber, Food Sourcing Manager
• Ensure we are promoting hunger awareness throughout Erin Kedrowski, Operations Manager
northeast Iowa Mary Keiffer, Garden Coordinator
• As we move forward, we must also ensure that we sustain Libby Klauck, Food Recovery Coordinator
our organization for the future Scott Knudtson, Fleet Supervisor
Rhonda McBride, Service Insights Manager
Shelby Miller, Pantry Services Coordinator
This fall we will recognize our 40th anniversary. The sad part of food Andrew Mohr, Warehouse
insecurity is that no matter what we have done in the past, this issue Kelsey Mumm, Partner Capacity Coordinator
isn’t solved. However, there is beauty in that there is a resource in Cayla Rasmussen, Digital Communications Coordinator
northeast Iowa, that has many partners, which put food on the plates Caren Rhoads, Janitor
Blais Richards, Warehouse Custodian
of many and those impacted lead productive lives because they have Tyson Roberts, Exec Team Assistant
that food. Spencer Rodriguez, Product Sort & Repack Coordinator
Tom Roschen, Fleet Coordinator/Driver
As you had a voice in our past 40 years, you will have a voice in the Lisa Spitler, SNAP Outreach Manager
next phase of the life of the Food Bank. Your voice could look like Doug Stufflebeam, Warehouse/Driver
volunteering, donating, being a partner or providing input into how Tom Swalin, Facility Manager
Mara Warnke, Pantry Services Manager
we operate our programs. It takes all of us working together to make
Leo White, Food Room Coordinator
a difference. There are many ways to be involved. Freddie Williams, Receiving Coordinator
We are close to Closing the Meal Gap and we have a strong
foundation. We must now move forward and build an even stronger Our Board
foundation for our future where everyone who needs food, has access Kirsten Juhl, Chair
Ken Cutts, Vice Chair
to it. It will take all of us working together and I have no doubt, with Paul Jungen II, Secretary
your assistance we can do this. Corey Lorenzen, Treasurer
Bob Brokaw Phil Jones
On behalf of those we serve we thank you. Timi Brown-Powers Justin Kasuske
Houston Campbell Barb Kramer
Cheryl Erb Mike Messerer
Paul Garcia Jeanne Miller
Emily Girsch Jennifer Peters
Grant Gubbrud Reggie Schmitt
Barb Prather, Executive Director Leonard Hanson Chris Schwartz
Mindy Hendrickson Louise Scott
Northeast Iowa Food Bank Dr. Todd Holcomb Daniel Winn
PAGE | 1
Getting Involved | Past & Upcoming Events
DID YOU MISS THIS?
Empty Bowls 2021
March 22nd-March 26th
We held our annual Empty Bowls fundraiser which was
virtual this year. We greatly missed being in person, but
the community showed up in big ways and over 60,000
meals were raised through live and silent auction, raffle,
and donations.
Spring Sack Lunch
April 22nd & 23rd
Volunteers and staff packed and delivered over 700
lunches for our spring Sack Lunch fundraiser. These
efforts helped us provide over 24,000 meals to those in
need in northeast Iowa! We will be back this fall for our
next Sack Lunch fundraiser on September 23rd & 24th
Iowa & Minnesota Campus
Compact Presidents’ Community
Partner Award
Iowa & Minnesota Campus Compact honored us with
the President’s Community Partner Award this April.
This award recognizes a community-based partner or
organization that has enhanced the quality of life in the
community in meaningful and measurable ways and
has engaged in the development of sustained, reciprocal
partnerships with the college or university. Thank you,
UNI Dept of Community Engagement for nominating
us for this award!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Personal Care Drive: July 1st - August 8th
Ragbrai: July 28th
Hunger Action Month: September 1st - 30th
Stone Soul Picnic: September 12th
Fall Sack Lunch: September 23rd & 24th
PAGE | 2
Ingredients | Volunteers, Donors, & Advocates
A Mother Giving Back
Building Blocks
By remembering our mission for nearly 40 years, the Northeast Iowa Food Bank has become a place
where those in need can come and receive food. Food, a simple thing for most of us, however those who don’t
have enough, it can make all the difference. Anna’s story is one of hardship and triumph. Anna became a mom
at a young age, and with no support from her family, Anna found herself struggling to make ends meet. “I had
great friends who stepped up and would help me when they could, but I was struggling to pay all the bills,” Anna
states. That is when a friend suggested she check out the Cedar Valley Food Pantry.
Having to swallow her pride and admit she needed help was hard, but not having food to feed her
children was worse. “I am not one to ask for help but as a parent, I had to do what I could to take care of my
kids,” Anna said.
At the Cedar Valley Food Pantry Anna was greeted with a warm welcoming face and instantly she felt
the worry of having enough food to feed her kids slip away. “The Food Bank and the Cedar Valley Food Pantry
helped me to stay on my feet while I was job hunting and juggling all that life threw my way,” Anna says.
She was able to find a job, go to college and is now excelling in her own career. Anna is also the proud
mom of three kids who are pursuing bachelor’s degrees and she is excelling in her full-time role while receiving
benefits.
Her appreciation was expressed through her statement “once I was able to give back I did; saying “thank
you” just wasn’t enough for all the support the Northeast Iowa Food Bank provided me and my family.”
The NEIFB’s foundation was built for people like Anna and with Anna’s help, she is building a foundation
for those who may be in a similar situation for years to come.
INVEST IN OUR MISSION TO IMPACT RURAL AND URBAN COMMUNITIES IN NEED
YOUR DONATIONS GO FURTHER HERE
PAGE | 3
Ingredients | Honorariums and Memorials
Honorariums & Memorials
Honorariums and Memorials are some of the most special Ingredients we have.
by Joyce Kohn by Chad & Tracy McNamara Roger & Lola Whitcome
HONORARIUMS by Vivian Johnson by Aaron & Kristine Martin by Scott Whitcome
Rachel Rough Riders Lance Wilson by Karen Jessen Val Lerma
by Judith Morris by Mark & Melaine Miller by Marlys Messingham by Gary & Jeanie Sieck
Rachel Goings by James & Frances Waring by Norma Byrd Lucas Knebel
by Shirley Magalsky by Janice Reinicke by Paul McNamara by Dianne & Bob Peterson
Hudson United Methodist Church by Dennis Krueger by Sandy Jo Messingham Mary DeBower
by Edward & Marlys Smith by Patricia Shipley by Stephen Riley by Russell DeBower
Danielle Hildebrandt by Cynthia Wilson by Mariam Einfelt Nancy W. Clayton
by Mary Grosse by Lynette Claeys by Claudette & Donald Brandt by Maureen Clayton
Sophie Perez by Judith & Randall Richardson by Lorna Eaton Scott Toppin
by Shirley & Kendra Williams-Perez by Curtis & Ann Baumgartner by Jim Ehmen & Barb Ritchie by Carol Toppin
Doris Roatz Catherine Edwards by Nancy & Joseph Moothart Dale Robbins
by Nancy & John Kelting by Kate McElligatt by Blake & Sally Hollis by Brenda Robbins
Solglimt Lodge Sons of Norway Jay Ginther Gary Dorhout Paul and Ardith Goings
by James & Vivian Miller by Ann Ginther by Joanne Dorhout by Susan Koppmann
by Jon & Gloria Tehven John Maitland Arnold Averhoff Jackie Link Scott
by Keith Jorgensen by Diane & Bob Peterson by Sheila Bouck by Marian Link
by David & Clare Palmer Arnie Averhoff by Brenda & James Clark Jerry Palmersheim
by Eunice Becker by James & Barbara Prather by James & Denise Bouska by Mary Palmersheim
Canoe Ridge Lutheran Church, Sally Hartley by Mary Averhoff Sharon Cory Dunbar
Decorah, IA by Carol Hazel by Michael & Judith Tripolino by Dorothy Wright
by Betty Davie John Schaefer by Glenda Slack Nedra Sparland
Ken & Perri Earnest, by Susan Schaefer by Eugene Averhoff by Barry & Jane Wilson
55th Wedding Anniversary Alex Davies George Oluf Stokker Frederic and Shirley Fisher
by Priscilla Earnest by James & Nancy Davies by Kathleen Stokker by Jim Ehmen & Barb Fisher
Denise Hanson Aaron Berns Carolyn K Stammeyer Mr. & Mrs. Paul Bagby
by Gayle Denkinger by G.F. Berns by Frank Stammeyer by John Bagby
Staff & Volunteers Mark David Ribich James Reicks Robert Macon
by Diane Spencer by Fred & Patricia Ribich by Shari Reicks by Cathy Macon
A. Mary for Mothers Day Donald A. Vouk Jessica Krull Stoffregen Pat and Jim Friedl
by M.D. & J.L. Scarbrough by Mary Meyer by Brenda Worrell by Mary Nadeau
Mother’s Day Irvin D. Kazda Jim Thompson Ron Parks
by Judith Morris by Mary Meyer by Dean & Marcia Olson by Anonymous
by Larry Skiles Judy Chelle Bruce A. Gustavson Jerry Palmersheim
by Barbara Vanarsdale & Rosalind by Jon & Wendy Foote by Jack & Patricia Erickson by Mary Palmersheim
Mendoza Ray Stanley Dostal & Michael Family Don & Marge Gobeli
Those who have, are, or will serve to by David & Susan Feltman by James & Mary Jo Michael by Steve Prescott
protect our great Republic. Robert Reiter Irina Drobat Charlotte Nelson
by Anonymous by Shirley King by Lane Lenth & Oksana Bondarenko by Juliann Nelson- Duffy
Jennifer Seward Ione Harms Lewis Hanna Sue Armbrecht
by Patricia Shaw by Steven Prescott by Opal Hanna by Randy & Patrice
Rhea Carlson Bill Roberts Celia Stoen Pilkington
by Robert Theisen by Keith Kaspari & Donna by Harold Stoen Jan Urbanek
In honor of my parents, Roger and Kitrick Kaspari Eric Miller by James & Debra Knudson
Doris, and their generous spirit Eva & Scott Eberling by Joyce Kohn Roger Dettmer
by Karen Howard by Lee Allan Eberling Delbert & Gladys Timion by Wesly Foundation
Lee & Amy Lindgren Carol J. Schneck by John & Delberta Fisher Students
by Rachel Evans by Ronald Schneck Robert Brandhorst Debra Ann Granneman
Anne Scott Marcella Bryant by Ellen Brandhorst by Lowell & Bonnie
by Heather Field by Pam Dohrn Marcia Murray Granneman
Rayla Lovell Bob & Marie Brennan by Irvin & Molly Myron James Anderson
by Tanner Lovell by J.H. & K.B. Hall Earl & Mary Bellis by Michael & Nan
Janice Halverson Donald & Regina Beenken by Robert & Jean Bellis Quesinberry
by Lori DeVries by Robert & Jean Bellis Donald & Regina Beenken Frances Marse
First Presbyterian Church Betty Hansen by Robert & Jean Bellis by Janice Kirchgatter
by Kirk & Susan Eastman by Kenneth Cavanaugh Cathy Edwards Bill Davis
Different Drummer Organization Ray & Mildred by Patricia Carlson by David & Susan Feltman
by Travis Wilson by Richard Dullard Lucille James Jim Walser
Verle & Everlyn Nickerson Mike by Denise Brown by Andy James Walser
by Douglas Nickerson by Richard Dullard Cliff Carey Jerry Palmersheim
John & Lorraine Mochal Tim by Pat Carey by Mary Palmersheim
by Douglas Nickerson by Richard Dullard Craig Holmlund Don & Marge Gobeli
Rayla Lovell Tony by Robert & Sandra Holmlund by Steve Prescott
by Tanner Lovell by Richard Dullard Ace & Florence Fogdall Paul L. Meyeraan
Shravanee & Soumya Bhaltadak Family Kathy by James & Judy Fogdall by Betty Tovar
by Nitin Bhaltadak by Richard Dullard Robert Reiter Justin P. Koenen
Our Mother! Linda Sue Dullard by S.King, Security Tax Service by Nancy Elliott
by Stephen & Carol Pierce by Richard Dullard Bonnie Mae Leitz, Happy Mother’s Day Jackie Link Scott
Jim & Gretchen Kullmer Richard Chamney by Charlotte Leitz by Marian Link
by Richard & Marcia Bechthold by Dennis & Susan Chamney Sandy Marilyn Moose
Kory Alan Moorman Steven Thorpe by Dean & Laurie Payne by Jean Bacon
by Anna Moorman by James & Barbara Prather Bill Ottesen Larry Lamborn
Tiffany & Margaret Zheng Mike & Lynn Millar by Georgia & George Tierney by Jean Bacon
by Grace Hao by Ruth Millar Barb Schrage Janna Helmers
Gary & Gerda Lane Jack Farris by Darwin Schrage by Nancy Helmer-Stiner
by Mary Martin Lane by Cleo Farris Steven Thorpe Joan C. Osmundson
Ronald Messingham by Joe & Mary Boutott by Jerold Osmundson
by Bonnie Messingham Erl Schmiesing Judy Chelle
MEMORIALS by P. Lee & Barbara Miller by Teresa Schmiesing by Jon & Wendy Foote
Rachel Goings by Jerome & Jill Boesen Miriam Peters Ann Seavey
by Judith Morris by Don & Diane McNamara by Brenda Buseman by Marcia Van Deest
by Shirley Magalsky by John & Kathleen Weber James A. Hutchins
by Charles & Alice Shirey by Michael & Karen Jones by Dorothy Hutchins
by Richard & Cheryl Jensen by Melodie Cummings Laurel Whitcome
by Joann Parker by Nicholas & Terie McNamara by Scott Whitcome
PAGE | 4
Utensils | The Tools We Need To Close The Meal Gap by 2025
Taking Opportunities
Utensils – The Tools We Need to Close the Meal Gap
While some people get excited about new cars or boats, here at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank we get excited
about new semi-trucks. In April, the Food Bank was thrilled to welcome a new semi-truck to our fleet of vehicles.
This new semi-truck and trailer was purchased through grant funding received from our partner, Feeding
America, in response to helping the over 200 food banks in America to continue to feed the overwhelming
number of those in need due to the pandemic.
We took this opportunity to look at lessons learned and look forward towards our future needs. Knowing the
need in our area was increasing and wanting to ensure we had the ability to meet this need, our focus for this
grant moved from program related costs to how to distribute more food. This included looking at our equipment
and what we would need to upgrade or add to distribute food to the growing need.
We didn’t have to look much further than last May when the National Guard used their vehicles to help us
distribute more food to our rural communities. Due to this partnership with the National Guard, we were able
to see the gap in our fleet of vehicles and how a semi-truck would help in the increasing amount of food that
needed to be distributed. Given the generous amount of funds available through this grant, the Food Bank was
able to dream big and take the opportunity to distribute more food now and well into the future.
What the future holds for those still recovering from the pandemic and economic downturn is uncertain,
however, the Food Bank is strategically building on our foundation in new ways to continue to serve our
neighbors where they are at for as long as the need is there. The Food Bank is in it for the long haul.
IT’S EASIER THAN EVER TO BECOME A RECURRING DONOR
YOUR DONATIONS ALLOW US TO KEEP DOING THE JOBS WE LOVE. CONSIDER BECOMING A RECURRING DONOR!
PAGE | 5
Serving Size | 52,000 Hungry Northeast Iowans
A Community Stepping Up
Serving Size: 52,000 Hungry Northeast Iowans - Pieces of the Solution
An 8th grade English class from South Winneshiek School showed that making a difference in the lives of our
neighbors can start with a homework assignment. When they received an assignment to make a difference in
their community, a group of these 8th graders decided they wanted to help their local food pantry. The group
fundraised $500 and volunteered their time to pack 10 boxes of food which all was given to the Greater Area
Food Pantry in Calmar, IA.
This homework assignment shows that it isn’t too early to learn about giving back to your community. These
donations made an impact in life of a local gentleman who came to the Greater Area Food Pantry.
He entered the pantry with his head hung in defeat, and when he approached the pantry coordinator, he said
“I hate to have to come here and ask for help, but it was one expense after another this month, and I am out of
food.” The pantry coordinator gave him a soft smile and nodded, then walked him through the pantry. They
made small talk as he picked his items as he was leaving another person was waiting to shop for their food. The
gentleman, holding his head a little higher now mouthed “thank you” to the coordinator as he walked out.
Helping our neighbors starts with a group of teenagers getting involved or a volunteer a kind smile and ends with
those in need receiving the food they need. We all have a role and voice in the fight against hunger no matter if
its past, present or future.
TIP: EVERY $1 YOU PROVIDE CAN HELP US FEED 4 MEALS TO NORTHEAST IOWANS IN NEED OF FOOD ASSISTANCE
NORTHEAST IOWA THANKS YOU!
The Northeast Iowa Food Bank is an equal opportunity provide. Focus on food is a quarterly publication of the NEIFB.
For more information, please contact 319-235-0507 or check us out online at northeastiowafoodbank.org
PAGE | 6
Thank You
FOR SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY
Ashley Home Store Fremont Farms of Iowa, LLP
Black Hawk County Farm Bureau Goodwill Industries of Northeast Iowa
CBE Companies Gunderson Lutheran Administrative Services
Cedar Falls Construction Company, Inc. IDEX Foundation
Cedar Heights Community Presbyterian Church Iowa Pork Producers Association
Centene Corporation RSM US Foundation
Chickasaw County Community Foundation Service Signing, LLC
Feeding Communities Initiative St Edward Church
Community Foundation of Grundy County St John American Lutheran Church
Feeding Communities Initiative
St Stephen Catholic Student Center
Community Foundation of Howard County
The Gallagher Family Foundation
Feeding Communities Initiative
The Home Depot Foundation
Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa
Community Garden Tyson
Feeding Communities Initiative
Community Foundation of Tama County
Feeding Communities Initiative United Auto Workers Amalgamated Local 838
Community Foundation of Winneshiek County Veridian Credit Union Employee Involvement Committee
Feeding Children Initiative Voorhees Family Foundation
Feeding America Waterloo Community Foundation
Subaru Loves to Help Campaign Kathleen & Robert Braun
American Express Waverly-Shell Rock Area United Way
Pampered Chef BackPack Program
Walmart – Fight Hunger. Spark Change. Mobile Food Pantry Program
Fertilizer Dealer Supply
Introducing: Employer Matching
Does your employer match charitable donations? Find out instantly on our website!
www.NortheastIowaFoodBank.org/
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