Storm Lake is stepping up.
In response to a looming cut to SNAP benefits that could impact 1,800 families in Buena Vista County and over 250,000 Iowans statewide, more than two dozen volunteers gathered yesterday afternoon at St. Mark Lutheran Church to launch a community-wide food drive.
Storm Lake City Council members Maggie Martinez and Meg McKeon are leading the effort.
Drop-off sites are confirmed at Central Bank, Buena Vista County Public Health, St. Mark Lutheran Church, Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Storm Lake Radio, and several local businesses. Edwards Auto will host a “Pack the Truck” campaign, Hy-Vee will collect donations and host a live radio remote next Wednesday, and UnityPoint employees are contributing gift cards and food boxes.
Food collection begins Saturday, Nov. 2 and runs through Nov. 8, with distribution to follow as volunteers coordinate times and locations. Martinez says the focus is on urgency and inclusivity.
Gift cards and cash donations are encouraged. McKeon and Martinez also encouraged churches to explore hosting community meals.
With flyers underway and multilingual communication flagged as essential, McKeon stressed both the urgency and opportunity of the moment.
