In Johnson County, Iowa, eggs are in high demand at the North Liberty Community Pantry. They’re not just any food—they’re a staple for many families.
Ryan Bobst, the Executive Director of the pantry, explains why eggs are so important. “They’re versatile and packed with protein. People from different cultures and backgrounds include them in their diets. So when eggs aren’t available, it creates a real challenge,” he said.
The pantry usually gets over 4,000 eggs a week from Farmer’s Hen House. But lately, due to rising egg prices, that supply has drastically decreased. Bobst noted that even though they have some grant funds, the ongoing bird flu crisis limits their options for sourcing eggs.
Sarah Nelson, CEO of CommUnity Crisis Services, shared similar concerns. She receives daily inquiries about egg availability. Traditionally, eggs were an affordable protein choice, but that’s changed.
The food bank helps over 1,000 households each week. In just two days, they went through 450 dozen eggs, highlighting the urgent need in the community. On a recent Tuesday, they were down to their last refrigerator full of eggs.
“We’re doing our best to find creative solutions for sourcing eggs and other protein,” Nelson mentioned. In the meantime, they’re encouraging people to explore alternatives like beans, peanut butter, and meat when available.
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