Need a morale boost?
Learn more about a stellar student, a super fun hang, and a way to support kids!
Rockstar SW Student Alert!
For nearly a decade, the Food Pantry has welcomed practicum students from the University of Iowa School of Social Work, giving them hands-on experience in nearly every aspect of our work, with the goal of sharpening skills and fulfilling learning objectives required for licensure. This summer, BASW student Ella Hackathorn (an Iowa City native) brought exceptional warmth, compassion, and leadership, quickly building rapport with volunteers and members alike. We’re thrilled to congratulate her on completing her practicum and graduating—and even happier to welcome her back as our temporary part-time Program Assistant! Learn more about Ella below:
Why did you choose to pursue a career in social work?
Once COVID-19 hit, I realized I wanted to help others around me. I had never heard of social work, but once I did, it clicked that I wanted to help people in different ways. I’m still unsure of the specific path I want to take, but being around and supporting others is where I want to be.
What have been your favorite tasks at the pantry?
Helping out with delivery service—coordinating and packing delivery boxes. Another favorite is sandwich-making every Wednesday morning for the Community Fridge in the Coralville Public Library!
What is one thing that surprised you once you started with us?
How welcoming everyone is here, not just the staff, but the volunteers and our members.
What is one memory you'll take with you?
All of the connections and conversations I've had with everyone here. No matter how silly or serious, they will stay with me and help guide my path in social work.
What is your hope for our community in the days & months ahead?
To understand how important food access is for everyone.
Bingo!
Our pal Tiara Phillips with Bitchin' Events is hosting a special Bingo night to support the Food Pantry! Don't miss out on this super fun event at Big Grove on Sunday, August 24. The first board is $10, Big Grove is providing free chips & salsa, and there will be tons of exciting prizes throughout the night. No RSVP necessary. For more updates, follow Bitchin' Events on Instagram or visit instagram.com/bitchinevents
Healthy Kids Iowa Distribution #3
We are part of a local coalition organizing three Healthy Kids Iowa food distributions this summer in Johnson County. Our third and final distribution will take place Wednesday, August 20 from 2-6pm at Penn Meadows Park in North Liberty. Households under 185% of the Federal Poverty Level with school-aged children are encouraged to come and select from the available items, taking home ~$40-worth of food per child. Our last distribution served 1,185 kids—we’re aiming for 1,600 for this one.
Healthy Kids Iowa is a pilot program created to serve as a Summer EBT replacement by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Although Summer EBT is a far superior nutrition program in every way (it reaches more children, is more efficient, allows for more healthy food choices, eliminates red tape, & doesn't rely on free labor from low capacity nonprofit organizations), we have agreed to do everything we can to ensure our neighbors have access to as much food as possible this summer.
If you find yourself with the capacity, please consider teaming up with friends/coworkers to lend a hand as a volunteer by following the link below: