Northeast Iowa Mobile Food Pantry serves as Beacon of Hope for residents
Wed, 04/15/2026 - 3:51pm
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By:
Rachel Riley TPD News Editor
CRESCO - The Northeast Iowa Mobile Food Pantry stands as a beacon of hope for many families in Howard County, providing much-needed support during difficult times. On Tuesday, April 7th, a chilly and windy day, the dedicated volunteers of the mobile food pantry continued their mission by serving 125 families in need. The sight of community members coming together to help one another was truly heartwarming.
Operated in partnership with the NE Iowa Food Bank in Waterloo, the mobile food pantry distributes boxes of food to families on the first Tuesday of each month. The pickup window begins at 4:30 pm and runs until 6 pm, or until all the food has been distributed. Despite the high demand for assistance, the volunteers worked efficiently to ensure that every family in need received the help they required.
This month, 28 volunteers were in attendance, working tirelessly to keep the line moving smoothly and efficiently. Their dedication and tireless efforts are truly commendable, and they play a vital role in the success of the mobile food pantry. The food boxes provided to families vary each month, but they always contain a mix of nutritious and essential items, ensuring that recipients have access to a variety of food options.
If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, the mobile food pantry is a valuable resource. By simply bringing your ID and family information to the drive-thru distribution, Howard County residents can access the assistance they need. While only Howard County residents are eligible to receive food at this time, anyone is
welcome to volunteer and support their neighbors in need.
The Northeast Iowa Mobile Food Pantry serves as a supplementary hunger-relief effort for families, individuals, and seniors in areas of high need. Located at the Howard County Fairgrounds in Cresco, community members are encouraged to arrive early during the pickup window starting at 4:30, as sometimes the food does run out on high demand months.
The commitment of the volunteers from The Northeast Iowa Mobile Food Pantry and the generosity of the NE Iowa Food Bank in Waterloo ensure that families in Howard County have the resources they need to thrive.

