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.
🤝 True community change happens when we work together.
At the Grinnell Food Coalition, our mission is to facilitate community-driven food solutions across the Grinnell area. Instead of operating in a silo, we bring together local organizations, pantries, and passionate neighbors every other month to look at the big picture of local food access.
By funding community partners through our micro-grants—like our rolling $1,000 Seed Grants and our bi-annual $5,000 Harvest Grants—we ensure resources go exactly where they are needed most.
When you give to the Grinnell Food Coalition fund, you aren’t just supporting one project—you are investing in an entire network of local food solutions.
❤️ Help us strengthen our community's safety net. Click the link to donate today: ahrensfamilyfoundation.org/grinnelfoodcoalition/
💚 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