CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Together We Achieve, a vital food distribution site in Cedar Rapids, is facing closure, potentially depriving thousands of residents of access to food. The distribution site, which has distributed over 2 million pounds of food, must raise $50,000 by August 31 to remain operational through the end of the year.
“Food is a basic need. Everyone needs it, and without the food bank, which is an emergency service, it’s a program to give food to people who don’t have it,” said founder and CEO Raymond Siddell. “They probably don’t know what’s for dinner, or can’t make lunch for their kids tomorrow, or whatever that might look like in their household.”
The potential closure comes at a time when food insecurity is increasing and more families are turning to food pantries like Together We Achieve for help. Siddell said visits have increased 23% this year alone and they are struggling to meet the growing demand for food assistance.
Visitors to the pantry expressed shock and concern at the news.
Edith Chase, who has relied on the Olivet Neighborhood Mission food pantry, which is closing this week, now fears losing access to another food pantry. “This place is closing. I’ll probably eat every other day,” she said. “And with Olivet closing in my neighborhood, this is the closest place. It just devastated me to hear today that they’re having problems.”
Keith Woods, another visitor, was alarmed when Iowa’s News Now informed him of the possible closure. “Really? I didn’t know that. Wow, that’s surprising,” he said. “I don’t know what people are going to do, man, that’s why I’m here now, you know, I mean, that’s sad.”
Together We Achieve is a cornerstone of support for thousands in Cedar Rapids. In addition to providing food, the organization serves as a hub for community engagement and volunteerism. The organization partners with several local organizations, including HACAP and Feed Iowa First, to distribute rescued food, fresh produce, and more.
Siddel expressed hope that other food aid organizations can work more closely together.
“We need a bigger change. There has to be a long-term solution,” Siddell said. “What does that look like? It looks like partnerships, collaboration, resources, right? People coming together, organizations coming together, local governments having these difficult conversations about what we’re going to do to move forward and how we’re going to continue to combat food insecurity in our community.”
The fundraiser was supported by an anonymous donor who pledged to match every dollar raised up to $25,000, according to a press release Wednesday. However, Siddell cautions that even if the goal is met, it will only last the pantry until late 2024 and early 2025, making long-term sustainability uncertain.
Donations can be made directly through the organization’s website here.
