Support your local businesses

DECORAH, Iowa -- The Decorah Community Food Pantry had a "record" year in 2023. According to data maintained by the Pantry, Decorah is committed to addressing food insecurity in NE Iowa. Matt Tapscott, part time Pantry director, said numerous factors account for the success. "Our mission is to 'Share food with local Iowans facing food insecurity,'" said Tapscott in a release. "Our entire community, committed to not letting our northeast Iowa neighbors go hungry, assists our Pantry in achieving our Mission." He said that the Pantry could not do the work without every aspect of our community supporting the Pantry Mission, including generous donations. The Pantry served 7,992 clients representing 23,487 family members and distributed 331,908 pounds of food. Tapscott feels that it is not a "record" to totally celebrate. "People involved in the operation and Mission of our Community Food Pantry are humbled by the incredible support of so many people and places throughout our NE Iowa community," Tapscott said. "We just wish it wasn't so needed." In 2023 the Pantry served 7,992 clients representing 23,487 family members and distributed 331,908 pounds of food. "The places we resource food from and the work of redistributing it to food insecure families is amazing", said Tapscott. Over fifty percent of the food the Pantry distributes comes from "food rescue" – a partnership with several local retail grocery and convenience stores. "This is perfectly good food that is not moving at the local store and prior to "food rescue" had been thrown away," said Tapscott. "Today, through the actions of many we rescue this perfectly good food and redistribute it to food insecure families. We can achieve this through our partnership with local retailers, but the real praise goes to Pantry volunteers." The volunteers are simply amazing said Lance Wood, Pantry Assistant Director. "We are able to achieve all that our Pantry does because of our incredible volunteer team," said Wood. "Each one of the 130 plus volunteers bring their personal gifts, talents, and life experience to Pantry operations. They make it all work." Wood said the second part of the Pantry mission is 'Interact with clients in a welcoming and respectful manner.' The impact of the Pantry's volunteers and donors are far reaching. "Nobody comes to a Community Food Pantry door because they want to be there," said Tapscott. "Through the commitment of our entire community, the partnerships with numerous area faith-based congregations, and the cooperation of local retailers the Decorah Community Food Pantry can achieve the work they do and address food waste and food insecurity in NE Iowa."

Support your local businesses

A "record year" at Decorah Community Food Pantry