Local Food Pantry In Crisis: Help Raise Money To Prevent Shutdown

A food pantry in Cedar Rapids that serves thousands may soon close if it doesn't receive some financial help.

CBS2 reports that Together We Achieve, a food pantry in Cedar Rapids is on the brink of closure. That would leave thousands of local residents without access to food. The food bank has distributed over 2 million pounds of food but faces an uncertain future. It needs to raise $50,000 by August 31st to remain operational through the end of this year.

Founder and executive director Raymond Siddell told CBS2 that the food pantry is "an emergency food service, it's a program to get food into the hands of people that don't have it." He said that it serves people who don't know what's for dinner or can't make lunch for their kids.

The potential closing of the pantry comes at a bad time. CBS2 reports that food insecurity is rising with more families than ever turning to places like Together We Achieve for help. Siddell stated that they have seen a 23% increase in usage of the pantry this year alone. The pantry is struggling to meet the growing demand.

The fundraising efforts did receive a boost as CBS2 reports that an anonymous donor has pledged to match every dollar raised up to $25,000. Siddell is grateful but warns that even if they meet their goal, it will only keep the food pantry open through the end of the year. If you would like to donate to help keep the food pantry open, you can donate at their website HERE.

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