Local food pantries are more important than ever right now. Joshua’s Place, Mason Food Pantry, Comet Cupboard and Kings Local Food Pantry are organizations that have been pivotal in aiding students, families and others in our communities during this time of increased need. Learn how these food heroes are coping and what you can do to help.
Joshua’s Place
Susan Simendinger, programs director for Joshua’s Place, says the organization has suspended all programs and is now solely focused on providing food for those in need.
“We’ve shifted all of our efforts to food,” Susan says, “We’re making sure that we're assisting the kids by getting extra meals to them, or at any point in time if a family calls and says they need food we're providing that as well.”
Details: Currently accepting monetary and food donations. Visit JoshuasPlace.cc for more information.
Mason Food Pantry
According to Charmetra Bailey, director of the Mason Food Pantry, the organization has experienced a shortage of volunteers during the pandemic. “The majority of volunteers fall into the at-risk age group or they have children at home to care for since school is out,” Charmetra says. “I changed my schedule to assist our inventory volunteers and our Wednesday shopping day volunteers so they will not become overwhelmed.”
Details: Currently accepting monetary and food donations. Visit MasonFoodPantry.org for more information.
Comet Cupboard
Casey Moran, co-leader of Comet Cupboard, says the group has partnered with other local organizations to distribute food to Mason students during the pandemic. “Comet Cupboard, Joshua’s Place, and Christ Church are all pooling our resources so we pack food together.”
Details: Contributions can be mailed to the Mason City Schools Central Office. Mason parents can also use EZPay to donate. Personal hygiene items and non-perishable food items can be dropped off at Duck Donuts, Kala Coffeehouse, Mims off Main and Baysore’s Flowers.
Kings Local Food Pantry
Director Mary Scherle says the Kings Local Food Pantry has had to alter its procedures to keep its volunteers and clients safe.
“To make it no contact, we've had to go back to what we used to do, which was packaging,” Mary says. “We want to make sure as long as we have the funds coming in, we'll be able to do this type of food distribution.”
Details: Currently accepting monetary donations. Visit KingsLocalFoodPantry.org for more information.
