Food Distribution Helps Those With Food Insecurity

Several people outside of the Center for Independent Living this past month during their food distribution program. (submitted photo)

Oskaloosa, Iowa – There are 15 million households in the United States suffering from food insecurity, which breaks down to 12% of all households.

The Center for Independent Living and the Mahaska County Salvation Army work together to provide a food distribution day at their location once a month. The food comes from the Food Bank of Southern Iowa, and is delivered and then boxed and prepared for distribution by volunteers.

In order to qualify for the food basket, a family must fall within certain guidelines, and a quick call to the Center for Independent Living can help you determine if you would qualify.

On July 10th, 5500 pounds of food was distributed to nearly 70 families. Those food items included milk, cheese, chicken, along with canned and boxed food as well.

This program used to be at the VFW building at the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds but has since moved into Oskaloosa and the Center for Independent Living facility. “We moved it here three months ago,” explained Deb Philpot, Director of the Center for Independent Living.

Philpot says she believes the move has been a positive one, allowing more time for the food to be boxed up ahead of time, and helping recipients spend less time waiting.

The need is great enough that people were standing in line for the food distribution at 1 pm, and the doors opened at 4 pm.

The food distribution is held the second Tuesday of each month at the Center for Independent Living, located at 109 N 3rd St, Oskaloosa, Iowa.