The Grinnell Food Coalition (GFC) has awarded $16,500 in Harvest Grants to four organizations working to strengthen food access and support local food systems in the Poweshiek County area. GFC received four applications for this grant cycle and was able to fully or partially fund all four requests.

The 2026 Harvest Grant recipients are:

  • East Jasper Christian Food Pantry, $5,000: Grant funds will support operational costs for the pantry’s food access efforts.
  • Grinnell Farm to Table, $4,000: Grant funds will support the organization’s “Pay What You Can” Market, which provides Iowa-grown food to low-income families at an accessible price.
  • A.A.N. That’s Good, $2,500: Grant funds will support supplies and marketing for the organization’s weekly breakfast, which is free and open to the public.
  • Treasured By God Treasure Chest Food Pantry, $5,000: Grant funds will support food costs for the Treasure Chest Food Pantry.

“These grants are an investment in the organizations that are working every day to make sure our neighbors have access to food,” said Mindy Clayton, a member of the Grinnell Food Coalition Steering Committee. “We are grateful for the opportunity to support these organizations and the important work they are doing throughout the community.”

The GFC Harvest Grant supports existing programs, projects, and new initiatives that address food insecurity and enhance local food systems. Funding can be used for expenses such as food, operating costs, and infrastructure that strengthens local food systems.

In addition to the Harvest Grant, GFC offers Seed Grants of up to $1,000 on a rolling basis throughout the year. Seed Grants provide flexible funding for food programs that need support to address urgent challenges or fill short-term gaps in service.

Community Partners Welcome

The Grinnell Food Coalition also brings together community partners every other month to connect, share information, and discuss food access needs and opportunities in the community. Community Partner meetings are held every other month on Wednesdays at 8 a.m. at the Foundation offices at Ahrens Park, with an online option available. The next meeting is Oct. 7.

Anyone in the community with an interest in food access is encouraged to attend. To learn more about the meetings or get connected with the Grinnell Food Coalition, contact Jennifer Cogley at jennifer@ahrensfamilyfoundation.org.

The Grinnell Food Coalition is a program of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation and works with community partners to strengthen food access and build a more resilient local food system.