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
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS STARTING JULY 10
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.
🌾 Harvest Grant Applications Open July 10! 🌾
The Grinnell Food Coalition is now accepting applications for the next round of Harvest Grants!
The Harvest Grant supports existing programs, projects, and new initiatives that address food insecurity and strengthen local food systems in Grinnell, Poweshiek County, and surrounding communities.
đź’° Request up to $5,000
📅 Applications are open July 10 – August 10
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, schools, government entities, service groups, and faith-based organizations with a charitable mission.
If your organization is working to improve food access in our community, we encourage you to apply!
👉 Apply here: ahrensfamilyfoundation.org/harvest-grant/
Questions about eligibility? Contact Jennifer at jennifer@ahrensfamilyfoundation.org.
🛒 Food security isn't just about providing a meal today—it's about building sustainable, collaborative systems for tomorrow.
The Grinnell Food Coalition works behind the scenes to empower our local partners. Through our community grant programs, we help local food heroes launch new ideas, expand their food pantries, and keep their shelves stocked for families in Poweshiek and surrounding areas.
🌾 Every dollar counts when we work as a coalition. Join us in cultivating a hunger-free community by making a gift to our fund today.
👉 Donate here: ahrensfamilyfoundation.org/grinnelfoodcoalition/
Priorities for GFC for 2026 include:
🌟 Community Partner engagement- set your calendar for Aug. 5 for the next meeting
🌟 Grant support and resource allocation- the next round of Harvest grants will open July 10
🌟 Marketing and awareness- check back on social to learn how we are impacting food access
🌟 Grant program evaluation- constantly working to improve
đź“Ť Partner Spotlight: Malcom Food Pantry
Access to fresh, nutritious food should never be out of reach. If you or a family you know in the Malcom area are navigating a tight budget or an empty pantry this week, our partners in Malcom are here to support you!
Please save or share this post with anyone who might benefit from these hours:
🏠Location: 405 Montezuma Street, Malcom, IA
⏰ Hours: Every Thursday from 5:00 PM – 6:45 PM
A huge thank you to the dedicated volunteers keeping the Malcom shelves stocked and welcoming. Together, we are ensuring no neighbor goes without.
See our complete food resource list here 👉 ahrensfamilyfoundation.org/grinnelfoodcoalition/
🤝 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/