Clarion’s First Lutheran Food Pantry embraces the motto, “You Are Welcome Here.” Recently, the people behind the food pantry in partnership with Wright County Extension and Outreach are happy to welcome people to a new location in the county. A food pantry location is now up and running in Rowan.
First Lutheran Food Pantry Director Hannah Johnson said the idea for the second pantry location goes back months. She noted that their Clarion location as well as the food pantry in Belmond see a lot of shoppers from the Rowan area. Wright County Extension Program Coordinator Missy Loux also made Johnson aware that Rowan has an above average poverty level. There are also no food sources in town.
Johnson and Loux saw a real need in the Rowan area to increase food access. They explain that their organizations, in addition to the Wright County Food Pantry Coalition, have worked together in the past on food access initiatives. This includes getting a community garden program off the ground last year with the produce going to the food pantry. With a solid partnership already in place, the women got busy on making a pantry a reality in Rowan.
In early February, they held a pop-up pantry event at the Rowan Community Center. “It was a huge success,” said Johnson. They served over 20 families and got the help of over 25 volunteers. Food was available as were hygiene products, pet food, baby items and clothing.
Loux added that they came before the Rowan City Council and got permission to establish a permanent food pantry there in the community center. She also said that they are planning a community garden in Rowan in the summer.
Just a few weeks later, the Rowan Food Pantry is ready for shoppers. It is located in the Rowan Community Center and will be open the same hours as the library since they share the building. Hours are Monday and Wednesday 10 am – 6 pm, Friday 10 am – 5 pm and Saturday 9 am – noon. Shoppers are encouraged to stop by, fill out the form that will be available there and take the items they need. There will be not only canned food available but also fresh food, baby items, hygiene products and more. If people need additional assistance, they are encouraged to contact the First Lutheran Food Pantry. People can also contribute non-expired food items to the pantry’s shelves.
Johnson and Loux are excited to welcome people to the new pantry location and hope it fills a need in the community. Johnson said, “There is a continued need in our area for food access, and we’re happy to help provide that with dignity and without judgement.”
