Local food resources geared up for shutdown

FORT MADISON - As the federal government shutdown continues to cast a shadow over food assistance programs, local organizations like the Fort Madison Food Pantry are working diligently to ensure families in Lee County do not go hungry.
Shirley Gabel, Food Manager at the pantry, expressed confidence in the community’s ability to weather the storm with area legislators saying Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding is potentially ending in five days.
“We’ll continue to serve the client,” Gabel said Monday.
“The board will monitor it closely and will make changes if necessary, but I do have faith that our community will continue to support us. We’ve been very blessed with community support, and because of that, I’m confident that we’ll be able to continue providing services.”
The pantry works closely with the Iowa Food Bank, purchasing most items—including meat products—at just $0.19 per pound. Gabel remains optimistic that inventory will remain sufficient for the near future.
Gabel emphasized that Lee County offers a variety of food resources beyond the Fort Madison Food Pantry. A comprehensive list of these resources is maintained by the Community Action of Southeast Iowa, which keeps an updated listing of all available food assistance options. Additionally, a mobile food pantry visits the area on the fourth Tuesday of every month.
“Lee County has multiple food resources that are going to be here for the need of the clients,” Gabel said. “I’m confident that, thanks to the community and God providing for our facility, we won’t be seeing a limitation in our inventory.”
The pantry has seen a significant increase in usage over the past five years, now serving roughly 450 to 500 families per month. The primary clients are retired senior citizens and the working poor, followed by the unemployed and homeless.
“Our primary customers are the working poor and the seniors—really through no fault of their own,” Gabel said. “Benefits don’t stretch far enough, and lower-paying jobs just don’t make ends meet.”
She stressed that the pantry’s mission is to assist families with groceries, not to replace grocery stores.
“We were never designed to be a grocery store. We are designed to assist families in their groceries, and that’s what we like to keep in mind.”
With the holiday season approaching, the pantry typically sees an increase in donations from churches, schools, and individuals. Gabel anticipates that, too, will be business as usual. 
“For us it’s business as usual with the board keeping an eye on the shutdown,” she said.
While the government shutdown raises concerns about SNAP benefits and food bank inventories, Gabel and the board are taking a measured approach.
“If we need to make a change, we will make a change, but at this time, we think it’s best that we just focus on what we do best and continue doing business as normal,” she said.
She encourages community members to help by making monetary donations or dropping off groceries during open hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Despite the uncertainty, Gabel remains hopeful.
“We have a great group of volunteers, we have great community support, so God provides and I think it’ll all fall into place.”
The pantry is prepared to adapt as needed, but for now, the message is clear: Fort Madison Food Pantry will continue to serve those in need, thanks to the resilience and generosity of the local community.
On October 28–29, the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) will donate more than 9,500 pounds of ground pork to six regional food banks in Iowa and western Nebraska. This donation, valued at $20,000, was made possible through community fundraising events like BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark and the generous support of Fareway Stores.
Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-1) voiced her concerns in a recent editorial submitted to Pen City Current.
 “Now with the continued shutdown, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is at risk of having a lack of funding. 267,000 Iowans, including over 100,000 children, could lose SNAP because Democrats refuse to reopen the government.”
Miller-Meeks emphasized her efforts to resolve the crisis.
“I voted to pass the Clean (Continuing Resolution) through the House of Representatives and have supported opening the government and continuing funding for these essential programs. I also introduced the Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025 to ensure full funding for the SNAP Program during the government shutdown. This bill will let Congress appropriate funding to the SNAP program to resume their services, ensuring uninterrupted assistance.”
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds echoed those concerns, highlighting the state’s limited ability to intervene.
 “Because SNAP is fully funded and operated by the federal government, states are unable to step in and keep it running,” Reynolds said. “But this issue could be resolved today if Senate Democrats would vote to reopen the government. If they continue to refuse, they’ll be choosing to put low-income American families at risk.
“I’ve asked HHS to remain in regular contact with Iowa’s food banks so that we are aware of their current inventory and their ability to increase food orders and distribution, if necessary. Our focus in Iowa will be on understanding the needs of food banks and pantries across the state and applying what we learned during the pandemic to support SNAP households if benefits are delayed.”
Other locations for food in and around Lee County, according to the food pantry, include the following:
• Monthly meal at Union Presbyterian in Fort Madison on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 719 Avenue F from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. All are welcome.
• Mobile Food Pantry, 4th Tuesday of each month in Keokuk at New Testament Christian Church, 1578 Hilton Road from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Next event is Oct. 28, then Nov. 25, and then Dec. 9
• End of Month Meals at St. John UCC in Fort Madison 10th and Avenue E.  Oct. 27-Oct. 31. Meals are offered the last full week of every month from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Lee County Drop-In at 605 7th Street in Fort Madison.  Drop-in hours for November will be 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Visit Community.Action@caofseia.org for a list of other Lee County Food Resources  or download the image with this article.