Food pantry aids local vets

The O'Brien County Veterans Affairs Office is a trailblazer in Iowa.

Director Katie Ginger last fall opened a food pantry for local veterans at her office in the courthouse – the first of its kind for a VA office in the Hawkeye State. Since then, the pantry has been used by as many as 21 households totaling 45 individuals in one month.

"We were seeing a need that wasn't being met," said Ginger. "Oftentimes, a veteran has a sense of pride and is unlikely to ask for help even when they may need it the most. Food insecurity has been on the rise."

The pantry offers nonperishable canned goods and meals as well as a variety of frozen meat. Any O'Brien County veteran or widow of a veteran is eligible to receive assistance.

On average, the pantry serves between 12-15 households each month. It can be used as many times as necessary; however, Ginger said it's typically visited just once a month.

The pantry is partnered with the Food Bank of Iowa Veterans Program and has a few local donors as well. Local donors have also conducted food and hygiene supply drives, donated meat and contributed monetary donations to purchase items that may not always be available.

The food pantry is open during regular office hours Monday-Thursday, from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Patrons get to pick what they want and will use to prevent waste.

"The only requirement at the first appointment is to have verification that you are a veteran if I have not met with you," Ginger explained. "There are no other requirements or income amounts that need to be known. It is completely confidential."

Ginger said the pantry has become easier to operate the more she has done it. She developed a "shopping list" that has available items on it for the next month, which is given to the veteran or widow to select from if they would like it prepackaged for pickup or drop-off.

"Otherwise, a veteran may come to the pantry and get what they need," Ginger said. "The shopping list is made and updated after I have gotten new donations in or have placed an order. I try to make it as convenient as possible."

Ginger currently has a drop-off point in Sheldon in addition to the pantry's home base at the courthouse in Primghar.

"If the numbers for drop-off in the Sanborn and Hartley area grow, I would potentially be able to get a drop-off point if it would be a need," she said. "Transportation is an issue for some of our veterans and this is a way that we are able to serve them better."