GRINNELL FOOD COALITION
The Grinnell Food Coalition (GFC) is an advisory committee within the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation that provides strategic direction and sets goals to support community-wide food needs. GFC is made up of dedicated organizations and individuals who bring valuable expertise, passion, and skills to enhance the local food system.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Grinnell Food Coalition is supported by our amazing community partners.
SEED GRANT
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
The Grinnell Food Coalition (GFC) Seed Grant is a pilot program offering a flexible funding opportunity designed to strengthen food access in Grinnell and across Poweshiek County.
This grant is intended for food programs needing support to address urgent challenges, or fill short-term gaps in service. Grants of $1,000 or less are awarded on a rolling basis throughout the year.
HARVEST GRANT
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
The Grinnell Food Coalition (GFC) Harvest Grant is a pilot program designed to support existing programs, projects, and new initiatives that address food insecurity and enhance local food systems in Grinnell and Poweshiek County. This grant provides financial support to strengthen communities by funding both immediate needs and long-term solutions that promote sustainable food systems.
Press:
Grinnell Food Coalition Launches Emergency Appeal in Response to Anticipated SNAP Benefit Suspension
October 29, 2025 The Grinnell Food Coalition (GFC) is [...]
Supporting Local Food Access
October 16, 2025 From pantries to meal programs, so many [...]
Giving Gardens are for Everyone!
September 16, 2025 Did you know? The Giving Gardens are [...]
Grinnell Food Coalition Launches New “Seed Grant” to Support Local Food Access Efforts
August 15, 2025 The Grinnell Food Coalition (GFC) is excited [...]
💚 Your Community Cares. Find Local Food Support.
Looking for food resources in Grinnell or Poweshiek County? The Grinnell Food Coalition Resource Guide connects individuals and families to local food pantries, meal programs, and additional food support options available in our community.
Whether you need help today or want to learn what resources are available, the guide can help you find support quickly.
👉 View the Resource Guide on our website. ahrensfamilyfoundation.org/grinnelfoodcoalition/
SUN Bucks ar HERE for the SUMMER!
SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, provides extra grocery benefits to eligible children over the summer break, when kids aren't getting the meals they usually eat at school. It is available to families who could use support buying food.
Most eligible children are automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks, but some will need to apply.
To see if you need to apply, or for more information, visit the Iowa Department of Health and Human
Services’ (Iowa HHS) website at hhs.iowa.gov/sunbucks or contact their team at 1-877-347-5678.
The Grinnell Food Coalition Community Partner meeting is open to anyone in the community with an interest in food access. Please join us at our next meeting:
📅 June 3rd from 8-9:30am
📍 Foundation offices at Ahrens Park
💻 Or virtually- send an email to Jennifer@ahrensfamilyfoundation.org for the link
🍽 Community Meals in Grinnell
Looking for a warm meal and a welcoming place to gather? Community meals are available each week in Grinnell.
• Grinnell Community Meal – Thursdays at 5:30 PM
• Iowa Kitchen – Saturdays at Noon (please call ahead to reserve)
These meals are open to anyone in the community and made possible by dedicated volunteers and community partners. Be sure to check out the Maan that's good Facebook page for their breakfast schedule.
The Grinnell Food Coalition steering committee took a field trip to the @neifbank. We learned so much about where the food is sourced for our local food pantries and weekend backpack food programs. Thank you for having us!
🍓MICA Food Pantry in Grinnell
🍞 Malcom Food Pantry
🥫 Brooklyn Food Pantry
🍎 Montezuma Food Pantry
🎒 Tiger Packs, and Backpack programs at BGM and Montezuma
Check out this new food resource Saturday morning!At M.A.A.N. That’s Good, food is about more than a meal — it’s about community, hospitality, and caring for one another. Everyone is welcome at our table.
Take a look at this week’s delicious breakfast: homemade biscuits and gravy! Fresh, comforting, and made with love.
Don’t forget to call or text 515-318-7664 to reserve yours.
And yes… taste tested and approved by Mable Bear, Momma Bear, Papa Bear, and Nama Bear — all lovingly named by the one and only Mabel Risting. 🐻❤️
Good food. Good people. Good community.
M.A.A.N. – Mission: All Are Nourished!