A longtime non-profit serving the hungriest in Pella and the surrounding area will have a new home soon. Executive Director of the Pella Community Food Shelf Melissa Zula says the organization is set to move into the old Pella Sports Page restaurant on the west side of the community at 1111 West 16th Street by June 1st. Zula says even as they moved nearly seven years ago into their current space at The Well, they’ve continued to grow themselves, and the group has been desiring a permanent location with more space for their needs.

The Pella Community Food Shelf serves approximately 80 to 100 households on a weekly basis living in the borders of the Pella Community School District, and dozens of others through their mobile food pantry operation and other programs. Zula believes the new space enables them to expand their reach to all groups involved and consider new programming into the future.

“We have been extremely busy serving the folks in our area,” she says. “If you come and visit us, we believe you need to be here.”

During the transition, the current location on Oskaloosa Street will remain open on Tuesday mornings and evenings, according to Zula. In conjunction with the move, the organization is seeking financial assistance and help with other needs. Zula says the total goal is to raise $1.5 million to pay for the building and subsequent renovations to make the space fit more in line with the Pella Food Shelf mission.

“Over the years, we started off as a very small food shelf — it was actually just serving the community inside of Peace Lutheran Church. We are continuing to grow and stretch our arms,” Zula says. “We are in about 2400 square feet now, and we are moving into nearly 7000 square feet.”

Those who would like to learn more about the move of the Pella Community Food Shelf should email director@pellacommunityfoodshelf.org or call (641)780-1779. Any donations can be made by writing a check to the Pella Community Food Shelf or on their Venmo account; Zula asks that those contributions be designated or marked with “Capital Campaign” if going toward the building project.