Exciting Expansion of North Liberty Food Pantry: Catering to the Rising Need in Our Community

The North Liberty Community Pantry is growing! With a new 10,500-square-foot building on the way, they aim to help more families in need. This new space will have a bigger shopping area, more food storage, and better facilities for volunteers and staff.

Ryan Bobst, the pantry’s executive director, points to a rising need in the community as the reason for the expansion. In 2020, 20% of families served relied on the pantry for most of their weekly food. By 2024, this number skyrocketed to 82%. The pandemic has played a big role in this increase, with food costs now 30% higher than before.

In 2024 alone, the pantry saw nearly 20,000 visits. That’s up 134% from the previous year. They distributed 153% more food and 662% more clothing. Even groceries delivered to families who can’t visit in person grew by over 1,000%!

Bobst emphasized the urgency for a new space, stating, “These numbers are all records, and it’s not even really close.” The new pantry will be located on a three-acre lot at 350 W Penn St. It aims to be more accessible, especially with its proximity to the North Liberty bike trail.

One community member, Britta Cavinder, has personal experience with the pantry. She appreciates the welcoming atmosphere and the variety of resources it offers. “People were so incredibly kind. I felt they cared about me and my son,” she shared. With items like diapers and clothes available, she found the pantry to be a helpful resource.

Before having her son, Cavinder worked hard as a franchise consultant but had to make significant career changes after his autism diagnosis. She went part-time and took gig jobs to accommodate her son’s needs, leading to a drastic pay cut. “It was very difficult, but I had no choice,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to support her son.

Cavinder remembers growing up relying on food assistance due to family challenges. “I always felt a lot of shame about it,” she said. But her experience at the North Liberty Food Pantry was different; it offered a sense of community and support instead.

What stands out to her is the diverse food options and even a garden where her son has learned to garden, demonstrating the pantry’s role in building skills beyond just providing food. “My son doesn’t use much verbal communication, but he learned how to garden. It’s just so fun,” she explained.

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue across the nation. Recent data shows it has more than doubled since before the pandemic. Cavinder notes the challenge of rising food prices compared to stagnant wages. Yet, she values that the pantry offers fresh produce year-round, making it unique among other food banks.

Her positive experiences led her to seek a position on the pantry’s board to ensure that users of its services have a voice. “I thought it was important that someone who actually used the services be on the board,” she said.

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors has recognized the pantry’s importance, approving $50,000 to help with the new construction. Board Chair Jon Green called it “vital” and highlighted the need for local efforts to support one another during tough times.