LIFT celebrating one-year anniversary; Public open house is set for October 2
by Susan Cantine-Maxson
“What did you do before LIFT opened?” asked a volunteer.
“We went hungry,” said a client.
Lansing Iowa Food Trust (LIFT) opened one year ago during the first week in October at 220 South Third Street (the former Rethwisch Lumber building) in Lansing. Board members are pleased with the number of people that they have served in the past year. They are particularly proud that in a recent Readers Digest contest, LIFT was designated the “Nicest Place in Iowa.”
They will find out in the November issue of that publication as to whether they won the designation of the “Nicest Place in the U.S.” They feel this is quite an accomplishment for only being an organization for one year.
Looking at the August statistics, which is a typical month for the LIFT facility, they served 185 people in a total of 82 households. Of those, approximately 1/3 were over the age of 65 and 1/3 were children. Clients included individuals from Lansing, New Albin, Waukon, Waterville, Harpers Ferry and Luana.
Seven new households came to LIFT during August.
The food pantry gave out 4,543 pounds of food and had donations of 1,215 pounds of food. The remainder was purchased through the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse, WI or through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which assists with reduced prices on food staples.
Beginning October 1, LIFT will move to its winter hours, which are 4-6 p.m. each Wednesday. Clients may pick up food every other week at the center.
In celebration of the first anniversary of LIFT’s opening, its Board of Directors is holding a Client Appreciation Celebration with treats and beverages the first two Wednesdays of October. An Open House for the public will be held from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, October 2.
Those attending the open house are asked to bring a food item to donate to the pantry. The Open House is an opportunity to see the food pantry, to visit with board members and to learn how the pantry operates. Treats and beverages will also be available during the open house.
Just over one year ago, a group of local people met at the Meehan Memorial Library to discuss the possibility of forming a Food Bank. The Northeast Iowa Food Shelf personnel assisted this group with forming the food pantry. A $20,000 grant from the Allamakee County Community Foundation made the idea a reality June 27, 2018.
Many follow-up steps were necessary to open the doors of Lansing Iowa Food Trust. A suitable location needed to be found, a non-profit 501(c)3 status was filed, financial backing needed to be secured as well as marketing and securing volunteers to help with running the food bank. Each step was completed and the official opening was October 3, 2018.
The board prides itself in the friendly atmosphere created by the volunteers and the quality of the food that LIFT provides for area clients. People who frequent the center either as volunteers or as clients are not surprised about the honor of being chosen the “Nicest Place in Iowa.”
The goal of being a food assistance program which can meet the needs of the local communities has become a reality. In addition to food assistance, LIFT is also a gateway for more information if clients need additional help but are unsure of where to find it.
Tax-deductible cash donations may be sent to LIFT, P.O. Box 421, Lansing, IA 52172. For every $1 donated, enough food for five meals can be purchased from the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. Monetary donations also help with rent and overhead costs such as utilities, insurance, supplies and food. The money from the initial grant will soon be gone, so more monetary donations will be needed to pay for the food distributed.
LIFT operates with 100% volunteer power. Approximately 25 volunteer hours are needed each week to help the facility operate. Those interested in volunteering can stop by the center when it is open or call one of the board members. Many volunteers have been trained by the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). Volunteers are greatly appreciated and they assist clients with food selection, pick up produce from Postville, and help stock the facility’s shelves.
Donations of food, personal care items and paper products are also greatly appreciated. These items may be dropped off Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. at the LIFT site.
LIFT Board members in clude President Karen Galema, Secretary Gary Krapfl, Treasurer Janice Rea, Chris McKee, Faye Halverson, Kim Timmerman, Jessica Meyer and Wendy Gibbs.
LIFT’s mission includes: 1) To encourage and assist area residents in the simple act of giving food and/or monetary donations to LIFT, to create a sense of community where people feel safe and supported; 2) To provide area residents with opportunities to volunteer in the organization’s support efforts; 3) To provide area residents with a healthier future by giving food to those in need in a dignified way; and 4) To connect people, families and the community with a mix of support through nutritional advice, safe handling of food, area resources and local knowledge.
