Many families are part of a growing need for food in the local community and in many other places across the country. Executive Director of the Pella Community Food Shelf Melissa Zula says they are serving close to ten percent of the local population on a weekly basis and several others through their mobile unit.
“I really want people to know that we are not only out here doing this working, but we are doing it with love and with neighborly support, and we are serving record numbers,” she said. “Families are coming to us now who may have never otherwise considered doing so before.”
Zula says a combination of increasing prices on store shelves, the drop-off of several pandemic related support programs, and other struggles, have caused a surge of need in food shelves across the state. She’s hopeful those with extra will consider giving this holiday season and throughout the year. The Pella Community Food Shelf serves families living in the borders of the Pella Community School District on Tuesday mornings and evenings, and have several programs available to support other needs in the county and beyond.