In Eastern Iowa, food banks are facing a dire situation as the number of individuals seeking their services increases significantly. One prominent food bank in Iowa City, CommUnity, is bracing for a distressing new record in total visits for fiscal year 2023, with projections exceeding 60,000 visits by the end of June.

This surpasses the previous record set in fiscal year 2017, which stood at 52,703 total visits. CommUnity, located on Highway 6 in Iowa City, currently distributes a staggering 6,000 pounds of food to approximately 200 households every day.

Adrianne Korbakes, Chief Operating Officer of CommUnity, expressed deep concern about the situation, emphasizing the daily challenges they face. Korbakes attributed the surge in demand to various factors, including rising grocery and household costs experienced by local families, making it increasingly difficult for them to make ends meet. Consequently, more people are relying on food pantries to meet their basic needs.

The impact of inflation at grocery stores has hit families hard, with an alarming 8.5% increase in grocery prices. Food banks like CommUnity have experienced a staggering 43% decrease in food donations, leaving them struggling to provide sufficient assistance. Sara Nelson, CEO of CommUnity, emphasized the severity of the situation, saying, “They need more food per visit than we’re able to give, and without help, the situation is only going to get worse.”

Compounding these challenges, a new bill expected to be signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds could exacerbate the need for food assistance in the near future. Anticipated changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) legislation will render fewer Iowans eligible for grocery store assistance, potentially pushing them to rely entirely on food banks to feed their families.

CommUnity, in a statement addressing the unfolding crisis, stressed the urgent need for support and assistance to tackle these impending challenges. The combination of soaring demand, decreased food donations, rising grocery prices, and potential changes to SNAP legislation presents a daunting future for those already struggling to secure sufficient food for their families. Immediate action is critical to ensure that these individuals receive the necessary support to overcome food insecurity in Eastern Iowa.