Food pantry president thanks community

Dear Editor:

The Fort Madison Food Pantry Board of Directors and volunteers would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire community for their support of the Food Pantry in 2022. Although there are too many organizations and individuals to name individually, the donations of food and funds to the Pantry in 2022 allowed the increasing food insecurity of friends and neighbors of our community to be met. The many food drives  sponsored by churches, schools, community organizations, etc. have always been an important part of keeping our Pantry successfully providing support to those who are food insecure, but never have they been as important as in 2022.
Due to several factors, which include inflation at the highest rate in 40 years, the reduction of SNAP benefits (food stamps) to pre-pandemic levels, high fuel prices, and the impact of the Avian Flu on the poultry industry raising the price of a dozen eggs to $5, the number of individuals and families accessing the Fort Madison Food Pantry for assistance has continued to increase.
In the first quarter of 2022, 251 families per month was the average number served by the Pantry. By the fourth quarter of 2022, 532 families per month were being served. The total number of families served by the Pantry in 2022 was 5,241, compared to 3,100 in 2021.
The Fort Madison Food Pantry was able to meet these increased needs in no small part due to the support of our community partners including school districts, churches, industry, and the giving and caring individuals of
our community.
Please continue to keep the needs of the Fort Madison Food Pantry in the forefront of your thoughts as we proceed through the unknown economy of 2023.
Shirley Gabel
President, Fort Madison Food Pantry
3421 Avenue L, Fort Madison, IA 52627