December 18, 2020
Food insecurity was a challenge for many people before the scourge of COVID-19. The Grinnell Food Coalition wishes to thank every person and organization in Grinnell that made a gift to the Coalition. Together, we are committed to the idea of neighbors helping neighbors. Our Coalition now invites anyone who would like to see our programs continue in 2021 to become a Grinnell Food Coalition Patron. Patrons who give recurring gifts will stabilize the monthly distribution of grocery vouchers.
Our partners at Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) continue to provide an essential resource in Grinnell but many of the families served through the Coalition’s grocery voucher program have never visited MICA. In fact, a recent survey of voucher recipients indicated that over 40% had not received support from any social service program prior to COVID-19, and that almost 70% were disabled, had lower wages, or had lost their jobs since March, 2020.
The need in our community is real and it is pressing. Over 300 households and 750 individuals are benefiting from the Coalition’s grocery voucher program. Vouchers can be used for a wide selection of groceries, including any food items, diapers, soap, toothpaste, over-the-counter medications, and a range of other goods available at local grocery stores and from local farmers. Vouchers cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco products, lottery tickets or gift cards. With current funds, we can continue issuing vouchers until March. We know the need will continue well beyond that!
Coalition members underwrite all administrative costs to insure that 100% of donations received go directly to the funding of grocery vouchers. Gifts are tax deductible and may be a suitable holiday or birthday gift alternative to someone in your life who would be delighted with your decision to help others in their honor. The Coalition will happily accept a gift of any amount. Those willing to help us assure recipients of ongoing support may become Grinnell Food Coalition Patrons by signing up for a recurring gift.
Voucher amounts are determined by household size. Perhaps your family would like to provide monthly support for a household at the following rates:
Family Size Monthly Voucher Values
1 $60
2 $70
3 $80
4 $90
5+ $100
To sign up for an automatic, recurring gift, please contact the Ahrens Foundation at 641-236-5518 or admin@ahrensfamilyfoundation.org for the required forms.
