July 9, 2025
The Grinnell Food Coalition (GFC), a program of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, is pleased to announce the recipients of its most recent Harvest Grant cycle: Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA), Malcom Food Pantry, and Grinnell Farm to Table. Each organization received $3,250 to support their ongoing efforts to improve food access and address food insecurity in Poweshiek County.
• MICA received funding to support the purchase and installation of a mini-split air conditioning unit at their food pantry. This upgrade is essential for maintaining compliance and ensuring the facility remains functional and welcoming for the children and families they serve throughout Poweshiek County.
• The Malcom Food Pantry, located in Malcom, will use its grant to purchase food—particularly meat products—to help meet the nutritional needs of residents facing food insecurity across Poweshiek County.
• Grinnell Farm to Table received funding to support their Food Access Coordinator position. This role is key to advancing local food access by coordinating programs, strengthening partnerships, and supporting the logistical work that connects fresh food to those who need it most.
The Grinnell Food Coalition was established in 2020 as an emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In its first year, GFC supported over 400 local families through a monthly grocery voucher system. Since then, the coalition has evolved into a long-term, community-based effort to support food access through strategic partnerships, resource coordination, and grantmaking. GFC brings together a steering committee and community partners to identify needs and create solutions around food insecurity in the Grinnell area.
GFC convenes Community Partners—organizations and individuals actively engaged in food access efforts or with a passion and knowledge of food systems—on a bi-monthly basis. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of every other month at 8:00 AM at the Foundation offices at Ahrens Park. The next Community Partner meeting is Wednesday, August 6. These meetings offer a space to share what’s working, discuss ongoing challenges, and collaborate across sectors. Anyone in the community is welcome to attend.
The GFC Steering Committee, which meets during the off months, focuses on the operational and strategic needs of the coalition. Members of the 2025 committee include Joe Bagnoli, Mindy Clayton, Jennifer Cogley, Jill Harris, Kim Sieck, and Melissa Strovers.
Looking ahead, GFC plans to offer two rounds of Harvest Grants each year—one in the summer and one in early winter—as well as a rolling Seed Grant to support emerging projects and pilot initiatives. To make this possible, the coalition will launch a fundraising effort to sustain and grow its grantmaking capacity.
“We know there are many dedicated organizations across Poweshiek County helping families in need,” said Jennifer Cogley, Director of Programs. “The Grinnell Food Coalition wants to do our part to ensure those efforts continue and grow.”
“The GFC plays an important role in bringing people together,” said Jill Harris, a member of the GFC Steering Committee. “By providing funding, fostering communication, and lifting up local organizations, we’re creating a stronger network of support for individuals and families facing food insecurity.”
For more information about the Grinnell Food Coalition, including grant opportunities, community partner meetings, or how to get involved, visit https://ahrensfamilyfoundation.org/grinnelfoodcoalition/ or email jennifer@ahrensfamilyfoundation.org.
