DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa's first and only Latinx food pantry is expanding in an effort to reach even more people.
Knock and Drop Iowa, a volunteer-based nonprofit, runs this food pantry every Wednesday at Franklin Junior High in Des Moines from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The group serves any person who walks through their doors and does not require IDs or proof of need to receive any help.
Executive Director Zuli Garcia said they serve hundreds of people weekly and many come from rural areas. That's why they're aiming to raise $75,000 to buy a refrigerated cargo van. The van will give the organization the ability to be a mobile food pantry and meet people where they're at.
"We asked a family 'Why are you coming down here for food?' And she said 'It's cheaper to put gas in my four-cylinder vehicle than to purchase food right now' so we decided we needed to work on expanding," Garcia said.
While the food pantry ultimately helps with food insecurity, Garcia said there are other gaps it closes, like language barriers. The pantry also provides clothing and even laptops for families that may need one. It's all about helping each other thrive.
"When you're going through a need, it shouldn't be a put me down. It should be an uplift," Garcia said. "You should be able to come to a food pantry and find foods you're used to cooking."
As part of Knock and Drop's growth, they've hired a part-time employee this year.
To donate to Knock and Drop's cause, reach out to Garcia at: Zuli@knockanddropiowa.org
You can also make cash donations by sending the money here:
- Venmo
- Knockanddropiowa
- Paypal
- @knockanddropIA
- Mailed check
- PO Box 8054
- Des Moines, 50301