The Marshall County community has rallied together to address the challenge of food insecurity during the summer months. With the absence of federal funds from the USDA Summer EBT program, local organizations have devised strategies to ensure children receive adequate nutrition. The Emergency Food Box and other initiatives aim to provide for over 1,300 children through carefully planned food distribution schedules.

In addition to food shipments, the Marshalltown Community School District offers free summer meals at various locations, while a county-wide food drive seeks to bolster resources. Volunteers play a crucial role in organizing and distributing these essential supplies, highlighting the importance of community collaboration.

Food Distribution Plans

Local organizations have established a comprehensive plan to deliver food to families in need. The Emergency Food Box will receive bi-monthly shipments from the Food Bank of Iowa, ensuring continuous supply throughout June, July, and August. This strategic approach aims to efficiently manage inventory and accommodate the high demand.

Each shipment contains approximately 6,000 pounds of food, with specific allocations per child, including items like eggs and hamburger meat. To streamline distribution, the organization plans extended hours on designated days, allowing volunteers to assist with pre-bagging and serving families. Cindy Staron emphasized the need for additional hands, inviting community members to contribute their time and effort. Furthermore, families must adhere to guidelines, such as signing forms and picking up food once per month for eligible children aged 4 to 18.

Collaborative Initiatives

Beyond direct food distribution, multiple initiatives complement the efforts to combat summer hunger. The Heart of Iowa Big Brothers Big Sisters ensures accessibility by allowing proxies to collect food on behalf of clients. Meanwhile, the Marshalltown Community School District provides free meals at designated sites, welcoming all children under 18 years old regardless of residency. These programs operate under the support of the USDA, enabling both congregated and non-congregated meal options.

An upcoming food drive organized by KFJB's news director Zach Tomesch aims to enhance the availability of resources. By utilizing sticky notes, organizers can flexibly schedule donation pickups across different communities. Targeting Saturdays for maximum participation, the drive encourages residents to place non-perishable items where volunteers can easily collect them. Collaboration extends further as local sports teams may assist in canvassing areas, underscoring the shared responsibility to support vulnerable populations within Marshall County.