The North Liberty Community Pantry (NLCP) is inviting community members to contribute to the “Planting New Roots” campaign, which supports the construction of its new 10,500-square-foot facility at 350 W. Penn St. in North Liberty.
NLCP has experienced a significant increase in demand over the past few years, as stated in a news release from the community pantry.
Since 2021, the pantry has:
- Served 103% more individuals, totaling 3,389 people in 2024.
- Seen a 134% rise in visits, reaching 19,760 in 2024.
- Distributed 153% more food, totaling 732,644 pounds in 2024.
- Provided 662% more clothing items, distributing 51,851 in 2024.
- Increased grocery deliveries by 1,035%, completing 2,191 deliveries in 2024.
The release states that rising food insecurity is attributed to a 30% increase in food costs since 2019. This has led to reductions in food assistance programs and higher costs for essentials such as housing and utilities.
“The need from our neighbors experiencing food insecurity has grown exponentially and is a daily reminder of the urgency to get into our new facility,” said NLCP Executive Director Ryan Bobst, in the release. “This new facility will be nearly four times as large, bring food and clothing under one roof, move us closer to many of the families we serve, create a private space to better serve families with needs beyond food and clothing, and allow for adequate storage capacity to meet the needs of our neighbors today and into the future.”
The Planting New Roots capital campaign has raised over $2 million toward its $4 million goal. Early supporters include the City of North Liberty, Dan Bernacki, Corda Credit Union, GreenState Credit Union, Dave and Rita Roberts, and South Slope, among others.
“We are grateful for the connections we have strengthened through charitable conversations regarding the campaign,” said Allison Bates, co-chair of the Planting New Roots capital campaign, in the release. “We look forward to continuing to engage with the community to achieve our goal of raising $4 million.”
Construction of the new facility began with a groundbreaking on Oct. 1, 2024, and has made significant progress. NLCP expects to open the new facility in summer 2025.
“As a member of the community, it is exciting to drive by and see the progress on the new building, knowing the positive impact the larger facility will not only have for our families but also for those that volunteer,” said Amanda Blair, co-chair of the Planting New Roots capital campaign, in the release.
One pantry client identified as Brittany, whose family of seven relies on NLCP, also emphasized its impact in the release.
“Both my son and husband were diagnosed with diabetes last year. That was really hard. The pantry is such a great service, and it helps my family get the good food we need. The pantry also helps my family have enough food,” Brittany said in the release. “The pantry is an amazing resource and a wonderful asset. The new building will be that much more helpful for the community.”
Community members can support the campaign by making a donation or pledge at www.nlcpantry.org/campaign.
